An Australian national linked allegedly to a Mexican drug cartel was arrested in the Municipality of San Remigio, northern Cebu Province.  

In an exclusive report of GMA Integrated News, personnel of the Bureau of Immigration-Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) apprehended the American national on May 16, 2024.

BI-FSU said that the high-profile fugitive was also under the “red notice” list of the International Police. 

“Nag-umpisa sa pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa US DEA o Drug Enforcement Agency at Indonesian police kaugnay sa impormasyon na may isang lider ng isang drug trafficking organization na dito nagtatago sa Pilipinas,” BI-FSU chief Rendel Sy said.

The Australian fugitive used reportedly different passports or identification marks to hide his true identity and evade arrest while staying in the country. 

“Medyo naging challenging ang paghahanap sa kaniya kasi alam niya na pinaghahanap siya ng batas kaya iba't ibang passports o ID ang ginagamit niya dito upang malaya siyang makapaglipat nang pinagtataguan,” Sy added.

As of posting time, the suspect is detained at the BI detention facility. 

GMA Integrated News reached out to the suspect for comment but he declined to issue a statement. 

BI said it is conducting backtracking activities to determine the identities of the Australian fugitive’s local contacts.