By Jeffrey Damicog
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed charges against a Chinese who was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Makati City and caught with around P2.5 billion worth of illegal drugs.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The PNP’s Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) brought the Chinese suspect, identified as Liu Chao, 31, to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Thursday afternoon (Nov. 29) and presented him for inquest before Assistant State Prosecutor Josie Christina Dugay.
Chao was charged with violating Sections 5 (Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
During the proceedings, Chao opted not to undergo preliminary investigation and waived his rights under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code that penalizes delay in the delivery of a detained person to the proper judicial authorities.
Because of this, Dugay immediately submitted for resolution the case filed against him.
Chao was brought for inquest following his arrest Tuesday night during a buy-bust operation conducted by the PNP-DEG at his rented apartment unit located along Banuyo St. In Barangay San Antonio, Makati City.
PNP-DEG operatives seized from the suspect around 370 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa described the suspect as a safe keeper of the seized shabu and has been staying at the apartment unit for around two weeks.
Gamboa said the shabu which were ready for distribution were found hidden in travelling bags and other places in the apartment unit.
The PNP also conducted a follow-up operation on Wednesday and arrested Chao’s two alleged drug couriers in Barangay Manuyo, Las Pinas CIty.
The two arrested suspects were identified as Joel Bustamante and Merwin Bustamante who were caught in possession of 17 kilos of shabu worth P115.6 million and concealed in Chinese green tea bags.