NBI nabs de Lima’s co-accused in drug raps

NBI spokesman and Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin told reporters that Jose Adrian Dera was nabbed by NBI agents serving the warrant handed down by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC). (File Photo By mark pedron (Wikipedia Takes Manila participant) – Uploaded from Wikipedia Takes Manila, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA –The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga a co-accused in the drug cases involving Senator Leila de Lima after two years of evading authorities.

NBI spokesman and Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin told reporters that Jose Adrian Dera was nabbed by NBI agents serving the warrant handed down by the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The arresting officers were led by Special Task Force Chief Gerald Geralde, Lavin said.

Dera is de Lima’s co-accused in one of three drug charges she is facing before the Muntinlupa RTC in connection with her alleged involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The RTC issued the arrest warrants back in November 2017 which led to the arrest of de Lima and several of her co-accused.

Dera has been described as a police asset and has reportedly received money amounting to PHP3 million and three vehicles from incarcerated drug lords to fund de Lima’s campaign.

He also supposedly worked for the release of drug lord Peter Co.

De Lima is detained at the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The senator was recently granted a two-day furlough by the RTC to visit her ill mother in Iriga City, Camarines Sur.