By KHT Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Armed police detained 35 Vietnamese migrant workers after storming a warehouse converted into a hidden karaoke club in Daliao District (大寮區), according to a Sept. 11 report by the United Daily News.
Police said the venue was being used for suspected drug parties and had been fitted with several soundproof rooms. Officers reported seizing more than 200 suspected drug packets, 15 etomidate vape cartridges and other substances during the raid.
Police block both exits
Investigators alleged that a 48-year-old man surnamed Kuo (郭) rented the factory in April 2026 and converted it into a KTV, the term commonly used in Taiwan for a karaoke venue. The business allegedly catered mainly to Vietnamese migrant workers and kept strict control over entry.
The warehouse was deep inside a dead-end industrial lane and was rarely open to outsiders, police said. Investigators conducted surveillance over several days to establish its nighttime operating pattern and internal layout.
At about 3 a.m. Taiwan time on June 21, tactical officers launched the raid. Because the narrow lane restricted access, one team transported armed officers by motorcycle to the rear entrance while another team closed in from the front.
Police said people inside ran in different directions when officers broke through the entrance, but teams stationed at both exits prevented anyone from leaving. Officers detained 23 men and 12 women.
Three of those detained had been listed as unaccounted-for migrant workers for periods ranging from one to two years, according to investigators.
More than 200 packets seized
Police listed the seized evidence as five packets of cathinone powder, more than 200 sachets described as drug-laced “coffee” packets, 15 etomidate vape cartridges and four packets of ketamine.
The case was referred to Kaohsiung prosecutors and the National Immigration Agency’s local task force for investigation into possible violations of Taiwan’s narcotics and immigration laws. Police said they were continuing to investigate the source of the suspected drugs.
Kuo was released on NT$100,000 bail after questioning by prosecutors and was ordered to remain available for further proceedings. The allegations remain under investigation.
Taiwan’s drug-harm prevention consultation hotline is 0800-770-885.
Location map: View Daliao District (大寮區) in Google Maps
