A fugitive wanted for allegedly smuggling cannabis from Canada to Taiwan has been arrested in Thailand.

Chen, 37, reportedly trafficked 54 kilos (119 pounds) of cannabis to the Far East in 2021 before fleeing to Thailand to evade arrest.

He was detained in Bangkok on November 27 while submitting documents to Thai immigration officers as part of a study visa application.

Police said Chen entered the country on July 14 on a tourist visa and was staying at a condominium in the Chom Thong District.

He allegedly shipped the cannabis from Canada to Taiwan — where the drug is illegal — hidden inside a cargo container falsely declared as 'maplewood'.

He was handed over to the inquiry officer of the Immigration Bureau, while the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office was informed to extradite him for prosecution.

Cannabis is illegal in Taiwan, where it is listed as a Category 2 narcotic.

Under the country's Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, mere possession may be punished by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 NTD (4,820 GBP).

While those guilty of manufacturing, dealing, or selling Category 2 narcotics face life imprisonment or a minimum 10-year sentence, and a fine of up to 15 million NTD (361,475 GBP).

(1 GBP = 41.50 NTD)