Chinese National on U.S. Work Visa Accused of Hiding Drugs in Hollowed-Out Candles

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Chinese national who was in the country on a work visa was arrested in Spring Hill, Florida after deputies say he had over 11 pounds of ketamine hydrochloride mailed to him from outside the United States, concealed inside hollowed-out candles, and intended to sell the drugs.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about foreign nationals exploiting U.S. work visa programs to engage in drug trafficking, as well as the growing prevalence of ketamine as an illicit recreational drug that has also been associated with drug-facilitated sexual assaults.

The details

According to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, detectives received a tip that someone at a Spring Hill home was receiving a large amount of ketamine through the mail from outside the U.S. During a search, investigators found a package containing 20 large wax candles that had been hollowed out and used to hide multiple bags of a white, crystal-like substance that tested positive for ketamine. After removing the drugs, the ketamine weighed around 11 pounds. Ting Zheng, a Chinese citizen on a U.S. work visa, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell ketamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• On February 11, 2026, Ting Zheng was arrested at a home in Spring Hill, Florida.

What’s next

Detectives are still working to determine the origin of the drugs found in Ting Zheng's possession.