Yesterday (on the 6th), two Taiwanese YouTubers, Leila Couple and Joeman (also known as "九妹"), were reported to have been arrested by the police on suspicion of using and possessing marijuana.
They have been transferred to the Taiwan New Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation.
Update on Joeman
According to the police, Joeman claimed to have acquired the marijuana through online purchases. It is understood that he has been released on bail and returned home.
However, Joeman's lawyer claims that he has not been released on bail but has been placed under house arrest.
On the evening of the 6th, around 6 o'clock, Joeman posted a lawyer's statement on his personal Facebook page:
"Thank you for the concern of the public. Joeman deeply regrets and apologises for causing social disturbance and anxiety."
Update on Lyla
At the same time, internet celebrity Lyla and her husband Tang Yu (湯宇) also subjected to a search warrant by the police at their residence in Zhonghe, where a small amount of marijuana and smoking paraphernalia were found.
According to intelligence reports, this couple had developed a habit of using marijuana.
The entire case has been transferred to the Taiwan New Taipei District Prosecutors Office for further investigation.
Lyla, on the evening of the 6th, posted a lawyer's statement on her personal Facebook:
"She voluntarily cooperated with the police investigation today."
Buying Marijuana by Crypto?
In fact, within the internet celebrity circle, using crypto for drug transactions is quite common. The most common method of acquisition is often through private underground networks introduced by friends, and such transactions typically involve the use of cryptocurrencies.
Buyers may feel that conducting transactions with cryptocurrencies might be safer psychologically because they cannot ascertain the complex transaction relationships between drug dealers and other traders.
Recently, artist KID, while hosting the show "野人七號部落", a popular photographer named 科七 (Instagram: Krpb520) was arrested for alleged marijuana use.
According to police investigations, he used USDT for the purchase, facilitating the transaction and delivery conveniently through cryptocurrency.
One Of Us; You Are Not Alone
In response, Taiwanese singer R-chord (謝和弦), who has previously been ordered to abstain from using marijuana due to past incidents but has consistently supported its legalisation, also released a statement.
He wrote on Facebook,
"Supporting Joeman and Lyla, from now on, they are my own people. Rotten government, llegalise marijuana."
On the other hand, Hong Kong esports personality and YouTuber, Toyz, previously caught for selling cannabis vape cartridges, and his drug case has not yet concluded.
For this matter, he also shared on his Instagram Story, stating,
"I am not alone."