Attention when traveling abroad: Don’t write on your luggage – it could lead to the death penalty

Taiwanese people love to travel, and the number of those going abroad for sightseeing has been steadily rising in recent years. Whether for vacation or shopping, suitcases are essential. To avoid picking up the wrong luggage, many people write their name, address, contact information, and email on them so it’s easier to retrieve lost baggage. But did you know? Doing this could cause trouble and even land you in prison or facing the death penalty.

With improved living standards and budget airlines offering promotions, many people are planning to travel abroad. But before you go, make sure you understand the rules of each country to avoid stepping on a “landmine.” Many travelers, like Mr. Shi who has lived in the U.S. for over a decade, write personal details such as their name, phone number, address, and email on their luggage to prevent loss or mix-ups. However, when he was going through customs, he was stopped by officers and arrested by police because his suitcase contained a small packet of drugs.

Many countries have strict drug laws, and bringing narcotics into the country can result in the death penalty or imprisonment. It's reported that some criminals target suitcases with detailed labels during transit — they hide illegal substances inside these bags and later retrieve the contraband from the address written on them. Some thieves also look for such luggage tags and use the addresses to commit burglary or robbery.

Aside from not writing personal information on your luggage, be cautious if someone at the airport asks you to carry something onto the plane or through customs for them, claiming they forgot to check it in or it’s overweight. This could be a major trap.

★ E-newsletter cares about you: Protect yourself and stay away from drugs.