By JEFFREY. G. DAMICOG
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has filed charges against a Chinese national who was caught with P2.5 billion worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Makati City last Tuesday.
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 and presented him for inquest before Assistant State Prosecutor Josie Christina Dugay.
Chao was charged with violation of 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. Because of this, Dugay immediately submitted his case for resolution.
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 on 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 safekeeper of the seized shabu who had been staying at the apartment unit for around two weeks.
Gamboa said the shabu, which was ready for distribution, was 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. They were caught in possession of 17 kilos of shabu worth P115.6 million concealed in Chinese green tea bags.
