TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s authorities have arrested a second foreign national in connection with a marijuana cultivation ring that yielded 292 cannabis plants valued at over NT$20 million (US$668,773), police said Wednesday.
The investigation began last year when officers from the Third Special Police Corps raided a residence in New Taipei City’s Tamsui District. During the operation, police seized 103 cannabis plants and arrested a Mexican national, identified by his surname Sheng (聖), who was working as a cram school instructor, per CNA.
Sheng was detained and remains in custody.
Subsequent investigations led authorities to a Nepalese national surnamed Jin (金), also employed as a tutor. Police said Jin has a criminal record dating to 2017, when he was sentenced to seven years in prison for marijuana cultivation and production.
Jin failed to report to serve his sentence and was listed as a fugitive. While evading authorities, Jin allegedly received assistance from a Taiwanese accomplice surnamed Ma (馬), who helped him avoid arrest and leased properties for marijuana cultivation.
On Jan. 21, police conducted a second round of raids, targeting properties in New Taipei City’s Linkou District and Taoyuan’s Guishan District. Officers discovered 189 additional cannabis plants, cultivation equipment, and related materials.
Jin and Ma were arrested during the operation. Jin is now set to serve his outstanding sentence, while Ma has been placed in custody with visitation restrictions.
Investigators said Jin and Sheng cultivated the marijuana, while Ma handled distribution through private “parties” or “group purchases” organized via messaging apps. The two raids found 292 cannabis plants, along with finished and semi-finished marijuana products and nearly two kilograms of marijuana seeds.
Cannabis remains illegal in Taiwan for both medical and recreational use due to its harmful effects on the central nervous system, heart, and respiratory system. Cultivating, possessing, buying, selling, or using cannabis breaches the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.
Authorities seize 292 cannabis plants worth over NT$20 million in 2 raids | May. 28, 2025 16:37 Read More
