China confirms detention and release of American FedEx pilot after airgun pellets allegedly found in luggage
- Foreign ministry said the US pilot was released on bail pending further investigation
- It is plausible that China issued instructions to local authorities to ‘harass’ FedEx, says Jorge Guajardo, a former Mexican ambassador to China
China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that an American pilot employed by US courier company FedEx was detained in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou last week on suspicion of smuggling ammunition.
The pilot was detained on September 12 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on his way to Hong Kong after customs authorities found a box of 681 airgun pellets in his luggage, the ministry said. He was later released on bail.
Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the pilot entered China through Guangzhou on a FedEx cargo plane on September 11 and was released pending an investigation. A US State Department spokesman said on Friday that it was aware of the pilot’s arrest.
“We take seriously our responsibility to assist US citizens abroad and are monitoring the situation,” the spokesman said in a statement.
Under Chinese law, suspects released on bail cannot leave the city without permission. Authorities can also seize the person’s passport and limit their activities and communications.
