Debbie Voulgaris faces death penalty in Taiwan amid drug smuggling charges

·

Australian mother-of-five Debbie Voulgaris faces potential death penalty after she was found with 7 kilos of cocaine and heroin valued at more than $1.25 million during an airport search upon entering Taiwan.

According to ABC News, 57-year-old Debbie was arrested at Taoyuan International Airport just outside of Taipei late last year. She was later charged with smuggling heroin and cocaine.

Taiwanese police allege she was carrying 7 kilograms of heroin and cocaine in black plastic bags in a suitcase. They also claim the drugs had been given to her in Malaysia around December 10 last year, before she flew to Taiwan.

According to court documents, Debbie initially “vehemently denied” knowing about drugs in her luggage before saying her ex-husband was behind the deal.

crime

Debbie’s lawyer, Leon Huang, told the ABC it was “essential” for her ex-husband John to take the stand in her case in Taiwan, as he was the only person who could confirm her account. It’s unclear if John is currently in Australia, but Mr Huang said the legal team was seeking to subpoena him.

The indictment by the Taoyuan District Prosecutors office alleges Debbie was part of a “drug transport syndicate.”

Currently, her case is due back in court in August. The charges attract a minimum five-year jail term and even the prospect of life in prison or the death penalty.

However, the maximum penalty is considered a remote prospect after Taiwan’s Constitutional Court ruled in August that imposing a life sentence or execution for drugs offences is partly unconstitutional.

Source: ABC News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Delta variant spreads through aged care facilities with Greek residents in Sydney

Data from the Department of Health have revealed scale of the COVID-19 outbreak inside NSW's aged care homes, with cases in at least 17.

Cyprus to strip passports from Turkish Cypriot officials

Cyprus said on Monday it would revoke the passports from Turkish Cypriot officials in the breakaway state in the northern part of the island.

‘When I say I’m Greek, I think of Kastellorizo’: Kazzie of the year Lilliane Gomatos

Kazzie of the Year, Lilliane Gomatos speaks about her love for Kastellorizo and her vision to instil her passion to future generations.