4 Chinese nationals charged in connection with P2-B shabu bust

Four Chinese nationals arrested in an anti-drug operation in Pampanga were charged yesterday for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, in the case involving the seizure of P2 billion worth of shabu.

Jason Lee, Ying Ying Huang alias Sophia Lee, Willy Yap and Neil Tan were brought before assistant state prosecutor Michael Vito Cruz at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to face the allegations against them.

The suspects refused to answer the charges filed against them by a joint anti-narcotics team from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, prodding the investigating prosecutor to submit the complaint to the DOJ for resolution.

A ruling on the case is expected within the next two days.

A raid conducted by narcotics officials on a warehouse in Barangay San Jose in San Fernando City last week resulted in the purported seizure of approximately 185 kilos or more of shabu (valued at P2 billion, street price) and 925 kilos of ephedrine from the suspects.

The amount of ephedrine – a chemical used in the manufacture of shabu – confiscated from the suspects could yield about P8 billion worth of the illegal drug, authorities noted.

The suspects kept the contraband in seven balikbayan boxes concealed inside a sport utility vehicle.