DOJ ends probe on shabu-carrying magnetic lifters

Prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) have concluded their preliminary investigation into complaints involving the shabu-carrying magnetic lifters seized by authorities in Manila and Cavite last year.

The investigating panel declared the consolidated complaints by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) "submitted for resolution" after holding a clarificatory hearing Tuesday afternoon.

The complaints for importation of illegal drugs, graft, and other offenses are in connection with the two magnetic lifters discovered at the Manila International Container Port and four lifters found in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite, last August.

The lifters seized in Manila allegedly contained P2.4 billion worth of shabu, while the empty ones found in Cavite are suspected to have concealed P11 billion worth of the drug.

In one of the complaints, former Customs commissioner Isidro Lapeña was accused of graft, grave misconduct, and dereliction of duty for supposedly failing to prosecute those involved in the drug shipments.

Former senior superintendent Eduardo Acierto, ex-PDEA deputy director general for administration Ismael Gonzales Fajardo Jr., and then Customs deputy commissioner Ricardo Quinto and more than 40 others were also named as respondents.

The DOJ's resolution of the complaints will determine whether or not cases will be filed in court in connection with the massive drug shipments. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News