Four charged over P2.4-billion shabu shipment seized in Manila port

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has filed charges before the Department of Justice against four individuals allegedly involved in the import of drugs found in the Manila International Container Port.
The PDEA filed against Chan Yee Wah Albert, Zhang Quan, Vedasto C. Baraquel Jr., and Maria Lagrimas A. Catipan over their alleged involvement in the drugs seized in the MICP in Tondo, Manila on Aug. 7.
They are facing charges for the violation of Section 26 (A) or the importation of dangerous drugs and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Last Aug. 7, the Bureau of Customs and the PDEA found in MICP 355 kilos or P2.4 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu which was kept in two magnetic scrap lifters in a 20-foot container.
In its previous statement, BoC said the initial result of its preliminary investigation bared that the shipment belonged to Vecaba Trading of No. 712 Galicia St., Sampaloc, Manila that is owned by a Vedasto Cabral Baraquel. It is also not accredited by the BoC.
The BoC said the drugs were turned over to PDEA for investigation and disposition. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas