Refer China: Foreigner Seized with 1500g+ Drugs–Life Imprisonment&Deportation

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Foreigner Seized with 1500g+ Drugs – Facing Life Imprisonment & Deportation

In a landmark case recently prosecuted by the Fourth Branch of the Beijing People's Procuratorate, a foreign national was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to be expelled from China during first-instance trial for attempting to smuggle over 1,500 grams of cocaine by concealing it in his body. This is the largest case of body-based drug smuggling uncovered by Beijing Customs in the past five years.

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Case Overview

On November 2, 2024, the defendant, identified only as "A," arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport's Terminal 3 on an international flight. Mr. A did not declare any goods or items at customs. However, his suspicious behavior raised concerns among customs officers. A body X-ray scan revealed a large number of high-density, capsule-like objects in his abdomen.

Through monitored detoxification and a subsequent gastroscopy surgery, authorities recovered a total of 123 yellow pellets. Each contained a white solid substance which was later confirmed to be cocaine, with a purity ranging between 77.98% and 83.36%, and a total net weight of 1,580.44 grams.

Mr. A was arrested on the spot, and all drugs were seized and confiscated.

Prosecution and Legal Proceedings

During the investigation, prosecutors from the Fourth Branch of the Beijing People's Procuratorate worked closely with international law enforcement agencies via diplomatic channels to verify details with the suspect's home country embassy and China's Anti-Smuggling Bureau.

To ensure the defendant's legal rights, the authorities appointed a legal aid lawyer and provided interpreters. Prosecutors conducted a thorough investigation, explained the legal consequences to Mr. A, and successfully persuaded him to confess and express remorse. The sentencing recommendation by the prosecution was accepted by the court.

Health Risks and Legal Warnings

Body-packing drugs is not only illegal but also poses extreme health risks. Mr. A reportedly took three days to ingest the drug pellets, suffering from severe vomiting and going days without eating. One of the drug pellets had to be surgically removed.

Given that the lethal dose of cocaine is only 1.2 grams, any leak due to a ruptured pellet could have resulted in fatal poisoning.

A Strong Stance Against Drug Crimes

A's actions not only violated Chinese law but also showed reckless disregard for his own life. The ruling serves as a stern warning: drug trafficking is a serious crime in China with zero tolerance. Concealing drugs in the body is not a shortcut—it's a path to destruction.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, enhance legal awareness, and report any drug-related activity to maintain a drug-free society.

Source: 红星新闻

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