Taichung: The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) announced on Wednesday that it has seized a record 13.8 metric tons of narcotics in 2025, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s figures. This amount is approximately 1.46 times greater than the narcotics seized in 2024.
According to Focus Taiwan, the drug seizures included seven major maritime smuggling incidents and two container-smuggling cases, resulting in the confiscation of 7,236 kilograms of narcotics. These operations were highlighted during a news conference in Taichung. Additionally, authorities dismantled five drug manufacturing sites, yielding 2,042 kilograms of drugs and 481 cannabis plants.
The CGA also collaborated with international authorities, intercepting 4,147 kilograms of drugs intended for Taiwan through global information-sharing networks. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
Last year, the total quantity of seized narcotics amounted to 9,441 kilograms. At the news conference, the CGA highlighted four significant cases, three of which involved illegal drug manufacturing sites. The seized narcotics, including ketamine, mephedrone, and pseudoephedrine, were valued at NT$400 million (US$12.71 million) on the black market.
Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling emphasized the potential societal impact of the seized drugs, which were capable of producing around 2 million doses. Kuan praised the effective collaboration between the CGA, prosecutors, police, and customs authorities in their efforts to combat narcotics-related offenses and pledged to enhance inspection measures further.