By KHT Staff. Image via UDN.
KAOHSIUNG — An 80-year-old Taiwanese drug fugitive who fled the country roughly a decade ago was returned to Taiwan on Wednesday in a joint operation between Taiwanese and Philippine authorities.
The suspect, identified only by the surname Chang (張), had been wanted in Taiwan after police uncovered an amphetamine manufacturing operation he allegedly ran in Manzhou Township, Pingtung County, in 2014. Chang left Taiwan in 2016 while still facing trial. In 2017, the Kaohsiung District Court sentenced him in absentia to five years and six months in prison, and he was placed on Taiwan’s wanted list.
Authorities say Chang continued involvement in drug trafficking while living in the Philippines. In October 2018, Philippine law enforcement agencies arrested him in the greater Manila area after discovering roughly three kilograms of methamphetamine. He was prosecuted under Philippine law and served a prison sentence until his release in February this year.
Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau said its liaison officers in the Philippines were notified of Chang’s arrest soon after it occurred. Taiwanese authorities confirmed his identity and provided information to Philippine agencies to prevent him from fleeing to another country. Following his release from prison earlier this year, Taiwan’s representative office in the Philippines coordinated with Philippine immigration officials to arrange his deportation.
Officers from Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau then traveled to the Philippines to escort Chang back to Taiwan. He was formally returned under a joint repatriation operation and taken into custody upon arrival.
Officials said the case highlights ongoing law enforcement cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines in combating cross-border crime.
