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'Member' of West African Drug Syndicate, 5 'illegal aliens' arrested -- BI

Philippines | National

'Member' of West African Drug Syndicate, 5 'illegal aliens' arrested -- BI

By Jeffrey Damicog

A suspected member of the West African Drug Syndicate (WADS) and five other foreigners have been arrested as "illegal aliens" by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

In a statement, BI identified them as Nigerian national Ihekwoaba Stanley, Chibuzo Indian national Yadveer Singh, and Sri Lankan national Mihindukulasuriya Jude Sumedha Fernando. The identities of the three Chinese nationals are still being verified, it said.

BI said the arrests were done during separate operations conducted last Sept. 12. It said that Chibuzo was arrested in a condominium in Mandaluyong City “for overstaying in the country for almost four years."

“The BI also received reports that he (Chibuzo) is allegedly a member of the West African Drug Syndicate (WADS) and involved in numerous scams and illegal activities,” it also said.

Singh and Fernando were arrested in Catbalogan City and San Jose, Antique, respectively, it added.

The BI said Singh was apprehended “for misrepresentation after presenting a Philippine driver’s license despite being a foreign national.”

It said that Fernando, who was caught working for an aluminum and glass supply shop, was found “to be overstaying, undocumented, and working without a valid visa.”

The three Chinese nationals, on the other hand, were found illegally managing a junkshop and a fishery business in Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, it also said.

“It was revealed that one of the Chinese men presented a doubtful Philippine passport, while the other two presented documents stating that they were working in Makati. All three were arrested for misrepresentation and for violation of the conditions of their stay,” it added.

The arrested foreigners are detained at the BI's facility in Taguig City pending deportation proceedings against them.

Related Tags

bureau of immigration

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