By KHT Staff
Kaohsiung prosecutors have uncovered a large-scale cigarette smuggling operation, seizing more than 1.01 million packs of illicit tobacco — as well as heated tobacco products — with an estimated market value of NT$100 million. The case was led by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors’ Office, which coordinated with the Coast Guard and police in a joint investigation.
According to prosecutors, a smuggling syndicate used fishing vessels to transfer illegal cigarettes at sea before bringing them into Taiwan. Investigators tracked three fishing boats that operated in international and territorial waters before docking at Xingda Fishing Port in Kaohsiung on August 27.
Once the timing was deemed appropriate, authorities executed search warrants issued by the Ciaotou District Court. Coast Guard officers boarded the vessels with a K-9 unit and discovered hidden compartments filled with undeclared cigarettes, including both traditional and heated tobacco products.
Prosecutors concluded the investigation on December 16 and indicted five suspects, including three boat captains, for violations of the Tobacco and Alcohol Administration Act. The seized cigarettes have been petitioned for confiscation.
