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American 'fugitive' arrested in Albay -- BI

Philippines | National

American 'fugitive' arrested in Albay -- BI

By Jeffrey Damicog

An American fugitive who is believed to have ties with the Sinaloa drug cartel and wanted in the United States (US) for alleged drug trafficking has been arrested in Albay by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

American Henry Watkins, 51, was arrested in Polangui, Albay by operates of the BI's Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU), the BI said in a statement.

Published reports stated that the Sinaloa drug cartel "is one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world.".

“We cannot allow the Philippines to be used as a sanctuary for foreigners involved in illegal drugs,” declared BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado.

"Watkins will be deported for overstaying and for being an undesirable alien,” Viado said.

The BI said the arrest of Watkins was done in coordination with the US government which sought the arrest of the fugitive.

“Authorities confirmed that Watkins is on the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wanted list due to his alleged ties to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel in Central America,” it said.

“A District Court in Northern Iowa issued a warrant for Watkin's arrest on February 26, charging him with large-scale drug trafficking and the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin,” it added.

It noted that “Watkins is also known for using violence to collect drug proceeds and allegedly serves as an enforcer for the ‘Devil’s Disciples’ motorcycle gang in Chicago, Illinois.”

Watkins is now detained at the BI's facility in Taguig City pending his deportation.

Related Tags

Bureau of Immigration

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