The case of Volkswagen’s marketing executive, Sengpiehl, who was deported from China for allegedly using drugs, raises several important issues. On October 23, 2024, Sengpiehl was found with high levels of drugs in his system, suspected to be marijuana or cocaine. Authorities also found marijuana products in his luggage. After being interrogated and detained for ten days, Sengpiehl was released following negotiations between Volkswagen and the German embassy but was deported from China.
Interestingly, the European media response to his deportation was surprisingly muted. Few outlets commented on the incident, with some even speculating that it might be linked to tensions between China and the European Union over tariffs on new energy vehicles. This raises two possible interpretations: first, it suggests that Sengpiehl’s drug use is likely real and cannot be denied; second, it reflects that Western societies—despite recent trends toward marijuana legalization—are still wary of drug use.
In recent years, many countries, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, have legalized marijuana, partly due to shifting cultural attitudes, such as those promoted by the “woke” movement. Thailand, where Sengpiehl’s alleged drug use took place, also legalized marijuana in 2022. Meanwhile, the Philippines is considering legalizing marijuana for medical use. However, the Sengpiehl case highlights the ongoing debate about whether such liberalization is the right path.
Despite the trend toward legalization in some parts of the West, there is still recognition of the dangers of drugs, including marijuana. Western countries, once strict in their anti-drug policies, are now facing challenges due to weakening security and law enforcement. In the U.S. and the UK, for example, police are increasingly overwhelmed by other priorities, and drug control is no longer a top focus.
Asian countries, by contrast, have long been affected by the destructive impact of drugs, which is why many maintain strict anti-drug policies. When countries like China, Indonesia, and Singapore execute drug traffickers, Western media often criticize these actions, but rarely address the broader harm caused by drugs. The fact that drug use has surged in places like Canada and the U.S. following legalization, and that marijuana often leads users to stronger drugs, raises questions about the effectiveness of liberal drug policies.
Sengpiehl’s case also points to the potential dangers of the drug culture that has emerged in some Western countries. His use of both marijuana and cocaine, despite marijuana’s legal status in some regions, suggests a troubling pattern. Thailand, after legalizing marijuana in 2022, is already considering tightening its drug laws again.
The Philippines has been fighting a significant battle against drugs since 2016, with a tough anti-drug stance resulting in numerous drug busts and operations. Since 2022 alone, the Philippines has conducted 84,676 operations, captured 114,892 drug suspects, and destroyed 1,181 drug dens. These efforts have helped improve public safety in the country. However, as the West reflects on the consequences of drug liberalization, countries like the Philippines face the difficult choice of whether to follow suit. The Sengpiehl incident and the broader media response may offer some insight into the ongoing debate over drug policies.
Ultimately, the question remains: should countries with strict drug policies, like China, Singapore, and the Philippines, abandon their successful strategies in favor of the controversial drug legalization approach seen in the West? The Sengpiehl case suggests that caution may be warranted, and the consequences of liberalizing drug laws should be carefully considered.
