TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two Taiwanese nationals were arrested by police in Bangkok this week for involvement in an international marijuana smuggling operation.  

Thailand’s immigration agency announced the arrest on Friday (Aug. 22), but withheld the names of the two suspects, reported Pattaya News. The men were arrested in Bangkok’s Bang Rak and Din Dae districts, and have been charged with exporting a controlled substance and overstaying their visas. 

The smuggling operation was revealed to the authorities by a tip from a concerned citizen. The pair reportedly planned to export a large amount of cannabis product to Taiwan, where it is an illegal substance. 

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Bangkok reportedly informed Thai authorities the two men have criminal records in Taiwan related to the use and trafficking of marijuana. It is believed their previous supply of marijuana in Taiwan was sourced from Thailand, reported Thaiger. 

Thailand legalized the sale and use of marijuana in 2022, and the local market has resulted in incredible profits. However, the previous government under Srettha Thavisin government proposed recriminalizing marijuana — though met with large-scale protests. 

There is speculation the new government under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will seek to impose greater regulations and taxes on the sale of marijuana. Due to economic concerns and popular sentiment, the use and sale of the plant will likely remain legal in Thailand.