Son of DPP Faction Leader Ker Chien-ming Acquitted of Marijuana Smuggling Charges, Igniting Public Outrage over Factional Privileges and Double Standards

In July 2020, the Customs Administration intercepted an international parcel sent from the United States containing highly concentrated marijuana paste, with the designated recipient being Ko Chun-yao, the second son of the DPP's Legislative Yuan caucus leader, Ker Chien-ming. However, on December 23, 2020, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office controversially granted non-prosecution (acquittal) to Ko on charges of second-grade drug trafficking—a crime carrying exceptionally severe sentences—arguing a lack of evidence regarding his "subjective intent to transport narcotics," electing only to send him to rehabilitation for drug use. This lenient decision sparked tremendous public outrage across the Republic of China (ROC). Citizens and legal experts vehemently criticized the verdict as a manifestation of "green political privilege," stating that "when the father is the legislative chief, drug trafficking miraculously shrinks to mere drug usage." The case severely undermined the public's faith in the principle of equality before the law, serving as a highly controversial and defining monument to "elite justice" and crony politics under the DPP administration.