DOJ files raps vs. 2 Taiwanese nationals on PHP195-M worth of illegal drugs

Department of Justice. (Photo courtesy of doj.gov.ph)

MANILA—The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed charges against two Taiwanese nationals who were arrested while allegedly transporting PHP195-million worth of illegal drugs last June 14.

Tsenc Shien Ming and Hiang Zheng Kai were charged before the Paranaque City Regional Trial Court (RTC) with violating provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.

The authorities said that the two foreigners violated Section 5, or transportation of dangerous drugs, and Section 11, or possession of dangerous drugs, after more than 38 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu”, were seized from them.

The two suspects, who are allegedly part of a drug syndicate operating in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, were arrested in a buy-bust operation on June 14 in Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City.

During the preliminary investigation on June 20, the two through their legal counsel Atty. Nestor Ifurung, insisted on answering the charges against them.

However, three days later, another lawyer, Raul Bo, appeared and withdrew the request for preliminary investigation.

Thus, the case was submitted for resolution.

In a resolution written by Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Jane Sytat and approved by Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano, the DOJ said that “considering that respondents were caught in the act of transporting shabu with a total net weight of 38,594.1 grams to an undetermined place in Cavite, there is more than probable cause to warrant their indictment.”

No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty.