Volkswagen's China Marketing Chief Jailed, Deported, and Banned for 10 Years Over Cannabis

Oct 21, 2024, 10:57 PM

Jochen Sengpiehl, Volkswagen's Chief Marketing Officer and head of product strategy for China, was jailed for over 10 days and subsequently deported from China after testing positive for cannabis. Sengpiehl's positive test occurred upon his return to Beijing from Ko Samui, Thailand. The incident highlights the strict drug enforcement policies in China, where foreign nationals can face severe administrative actions, including detention and deportation, for drug use detected upon re-entry, even if the substances were consumed legally abroad. Sengpiehl also faces a 10-year re-entry ban to China.