A 35-year-old Taiwanese man has been arrested in Japan, suspected of smuggling over 3 kilograms of methamphetamine from Thailand into Fukuoka Airport. The illegal drugs, concealed in beverage packaging, are valued at approximately 160 million yen, or about 33 million baht.
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RKB Mainichi Broadcasting identified the man as Chang Tse-wei, and Japanese police announced the arrest details on May 26, following his entry into Japan on May 10. Authorities indicated that the drugs were disguised within instant coffee sachets and tea cans to evade detection.
The methamphetamine, referred to in Japan as 'kakuseizai', was estimated to have a substantial street value. During questioning, Chang denied any knowledge of transporting drugs, claiming he was in Japan for tourism and unaware of the contents within the packaging.
Japanese police suspect this incident may be linked to a larger, organized drug-smuggling network and are continuing their investigation into potential connections. The significant drug quantity suggests ties to broader criminal activities, and Japanese customs officials are actively pursuing leads.
Looking Ahead, authorities are expected to intensify their search for possible accomplices and related smuggling operations. Coordination with international law enforcement may also be pursued to uncover the extent of the network.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 28 May 2026
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