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DOJ assures special attention over raps vs those involved in drug shipment

DOJ assures special attention over raps vs those involved in drug shipment

By Francine Ciasico

By Jeffrey Damicog The Department of Justice (DOJ) has assured that it will give special attention to the criminal complaints filed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) against those involved in the shipment of billion-pesos worth of illegal drugs concealed in magnetic lifters.

New Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra during his appointment confirmation at the Senate building in Pasay City, May 30,2018.(Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN)

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra made the assurance after the BOC filed last week the criminal complaint before the DOJ against the consignee of the shipment. “The DOJ will pay special attention to the investigation of all complaints and the prosecution of all cases involving illegal drugs,” the Secretary said. Last August 16, the BOC filed the criminal complaints before the DOJ against Vecaba Trading and its owner Vedasio Cabral Baraquel. Under the complaint, the respondents are accused for violation of section 1401 (unlawful importation) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to section 118 (prohibited importation) pursuant of section 4 and 5 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The case stemmed from the seizure of 355 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, which were found inside two magnetic lifters at the Manila International Container Port. The BOC said the cargo arrived in June 28 from Malaysia but has been abandoned at the container yard. The recorded consignee of two magnetic lifters containing shabu was found to be Baraquel.

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