Steve Sapp/courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Handout via REUTERS
A senior executive from Volkswagen has been expelled from China after testing positive for cocaine and cannabis.
Chinese authorities detained Jochen Sengpiehl after detecting traces of cocaine and cannabis in his blood. Following a 10-day detention period, he was ordered to leave the country immediately.
Lin Jian, the country's foreign ministry spokesman, verified this during a press briefing on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
"The person from Volkswagen was detained for 10 days and deported by Chinese public security organs for the use of cocaine. For further information, please refer to the relevant authorities," he said.
The incident highlights China's stringent drug policies, which apply to both citizens and foreigners alike.
The country maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use, with severe penalties for those found in violation. This policy extends to foreigners, who can face detention and expulsion if caught using or possessing illegal substances.