PDEA files drug raps vs. 4 suspects over P2.4-B ‘shabu’ shipment

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday filed a drug importation complaint against four individuals over the P2.4 billion shabu shipment seized at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) earlier this month.

Named in the complaint lodged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) were Chan Yee Wah Albert, with aliases KC Chan, Fhonie Chan, Albert Chan, and Chen Fong Hsiang; Zhang Quan, with alias Zhauq Quan; Vedasto Baraquel Jr., with alias Jun; and Maria Lagrimas Catipan.

They were charged with violation of Section 4 (importation) in relation to Section 26(a) (conspiracy to import) and Section 11 (possession) of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The case stemmed from the discovery of 355 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P2.4 billion concealed inside two magnetic lifters at the Port of Manila on August 7.

The contraband was originally estimated to weigh more or less 500 kilograms, hence the initial value assessment of P4.3 billion, said PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon.

Purportedly declared as door frames, the smuggled shipment was reportedly declared abandoned after being left unclaimed 30 days after its arrival date of June 28 from Malaysia.

The contraband was revealed when inspectors drilled a hole in one of the magnetic lifters, an earlier report said.

The shipment discovered at the MICP is different from the four magnetic lifters found empty at a warehouse in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite, which were believed to contain a ton of shabu worth approximately P6.8 billion.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña earlier told lawmakers that the Cavite magnetic lifters tested negative for illegal drugs. The National Bureau of Investigation is still investigating the alleged smuggling. — MDM, GMA News