PDEA files charges vs. Jacky Co, 16 others over alleged shabu smuggling

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Friday filed charges before the Department of Justice's National Prosecution Service against Jacky Co and 16 other individuals who were allegedly involved in the shabu smuggling worth P1.8 billion at the Manila International Container Port in March.

Aside from Co, whose real name is Zhijian Xu, charges have also been filed against Dong An Dong, Julie Hao Gamboa, Fe Tamayosa, Alvin Bautista, Jane Abello Castillo, Carlo Dale Zueta, Abraham Torecampo, Arwin Caparros, Leonardo Sucaldito, Mark Leo Magpayo, Brian Pabilona, Meldy Sayson, Rhea Tolosa, Edgardo Dominado, Jerry Siguenza, and Debbie Joy Aceron.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Co was the main person responsible for the seized shabu last March 22.

He questioned how Co was able to get in and out of the Philippines despite being on the Interpol watch-list.

PDEA chief Director General Aaron Aquino said the charges filed were in violation of Section 4 (Importation of Dangerous Drugs), in relation to Section 31 (Additional Penalty if Offender is an Alien) of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended by Republic Act No. 10640.

"Filing the appropriate charges will serve as a warning to those individuals, especially to government employees, who extend assistance in drug trafficking," Aquino said.

Aquino said charges for violation of Section 4, in relation to Section 30 (Criminal Liability of Officers of Partnerships, Corporations, Associations or other Juridical Entities) of RA 9165 as amended by RA 10640 have also been filed against the officers and directors of Wealth Lotus Empire Corporation and Fortuneyield Cargo Services, the consignee of the illegal drugs.

Aquino emphasized that documents and affidavits would show that the acts committed by the respondents have a vital connection to the chain of conspiracy in smuggling the illegal drugs. — MDM, GMA News