The Taiwanese nationals were Lee Chi-Nan (29), Chou Chun-Hao, Hong Sheng-Bao, Liu Kuang-Hui and Tseng Yi-Chia (31), Lin Chung-Hsien (32), Fan Ming-Che (34) and Chu Shao-Hsien (42). The local man was identified as 49-year-old Low Kian Ming.

They nodded when the charges were read to them but no plea was recorded, Bernama reported.

They were charged with preparing to traffic dangerous drugs, namely ecstasy weighing approximately 183.7kg and Erimin 5 weighing around 306kg, at Taman Industri Alam Jaya 2, Bandar Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, at 2.20pm on Jan 16.

The charge was brought under Section 39B(1)(c) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39B(2) and read together with Section 34 of the same act.

The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Nor Hakimi Mohamad Rosedin while the accused were unrepresented.

Magistrate Siti Hajar Ali fixed April 21 for case mention and the submission of a chemical report.