There are many drug dealers in the world.. Many of the couriers are connected to police, Govt etc in the countries they are bringing the good and are so protected..
If you are not one of these, to go to China you get a bucket of warnings before you land, both on the plane announcements, and also the customs declaration you have to fill in..
China, especially the regional airports is a complex maze to ge through customs at the best of times..( im through them 2 dozen times a year)
Whatever was wrong with him, this fella knew perfectly well he was carrying something for someone else, both when he checked in and when he filled the customs declaration..
I cant accept all the sanctimonious carp about this case...