Reported 11 months ago
On June 24, 2024, a mainland Chinese man drove a speedboat into the Danshui River, prompting the Coast Guard Administration to heighten alert. The next morning, individuals attempted to smuggle illegal cigarettes worth NT$15 million through the Badouzi port in Keelung. Coast Guard personnel remained calm and caught them as soon as the boat entered the harbor. The suspicious cargo, hidden in layers of wooden boards and black waterproof bags, was quickly discovered by the Coast Guard. The captain and six crew members were arrested, and 460 boxes containing about 230,000 packs of cigarettes were confiscated. The perpetrators underestimated holiday vigilance and thought they could profit illegally by smuggling cigarettes from Southeast Asia to Taiwan. However, the Coast Guard had already identified the suspicious fishing boat and apprehended them upon arrival at the port. Despite the weekend, the Coast Guard remained vigilant due to a recent incident involving a mainland Chinese man entering the fisherman's wharf on a speedboat, causing public concern about national security loopholes. The smugglers, confident in their plan, ultimately fell into the Coast Guard's trap as they tried to bring the illegal cigarettes ashore. The suspects were handed over for further investigation and prosecution. This incident is part of ongoing efforts by the Coast Guard to combat smuggling activities in the region.
Source: YAHOO