Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that criminal charges have been filed against five individuals in connection with an attempt to smuggle over 404 kilograms of shabu, valued at PHP2.7 billion, from Karachi, Pakistan last month.
According to Philippines News Agency, NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects involved in the case. They include Oscar Berba, the consignee from Red Shinting Consumer Goods Trading based in Las Pi±as; Karen Villaflor and Rey Gujilde, who serve as the chairperson and president of Ark Global Movers, a freight forwarding company; and customs brokers Kevin Lee Arrio and Richard Aguantar.
The suspects were apprehended for their roles in attempting to facilitate the entry of the illegal drugs into the country by disguising them among legitimate products through complex paperwork and groundwork, as per Santiago. The shipment was intercepted on January 24 in a joint operation conducted by the NBI, Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), following intelligence received from a foreign counterpart. The shabu was hidden in boxes labeled as food products like vermicelli and custards.
Santiago highlighted the strategic collaboration among these agencies, emphasizing the importance of resource sharing and expertise in transforming vital intelligence into actionable outcomes. The operation was initially presented at the inquest before it was disclosed to the media. The case, citing a violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, was filed against the suspects at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 31.
The Bureau of Customs also announced that the suspects will face additional charges for violating sections of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act related to prohibited importation, misdeclaration, and property subject to seizure and forfeiture. BOC chief Bienvenido Rubo stated that an alert order against the shipment was issued after receiving information from the NBI. Rubo commended the collaborative efforts of the involved agencies, emphasizing the importance of their actions in preventing harm from illegal drugs.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy stated that the seized shabu has been officially turned over to PDEA for laboratory examination and custody, in line with RA 9165 provisions. Uy reiterated the significance of border security as national security and assured continued efforts to combat the threats posed by such shipments to the community.
