Taguba pleads not guilty to drug importation charges

FILE: Customs fixer Mark Taguba II pleaded not guilty to drug importation charges related to the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China last year. (Photo: Senate of the Philippines /Facebook)

Customs fixer Mark Taguba II pleaded not guilty to drug importation charges related to the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China last year.

Taguba entered his plea during his arraignment on Friday, April 27, before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46.

EMT Trading owner Eirene Mae Tatad, the consignee of the shabu shipment, did not enter a plea to the same charges lodged against her. It was Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of the Manila RTC Branch 46 who entered a not guilty plea in her place.

Taguba and Tatad, who were both present during the arraignment, were accused of violating Republic Act (RA) No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 mainly for conspiracy in the transportation and delivery of the illegal drugs.

Under Section 4 of RA No. 9165, this crime is punishable with life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.

Aside from the two, other accused were Hong Fei Logistics warehouse owner Richard Tan, Manny Li, Kenneth Dong, Teejay Marcellana, and Taiwanese businessmen Chen I-Min, Jhu Ming Jhun, and Chen Rong Huan.

Judge Montesa scheduled their pre-trial hearing on May 25, Friday.

Taguba is held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City after staying for more than a month in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Tatad, on the other hand, is detained at the Manila City Jail.

The Customs broker was arrested by the NBI in January after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed drug charges against him and several others.

He was tagged as one of those who facilitated the shipment of 605 kilos of drugs. He also revealed names of Customs officials allegedly involved in bribery.

In February, Taguba said he will consider whether or not to turn state witness in the drug haul case after he consults it with his legal counsel.