DOJ files drug raps vs. suspected foreign drug trafficker

Department of Justice. (Photo from DOJ’s website)

MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a case for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”, against a Chinese national suspected to be a member of a transnational drug trafficking syndicate.

In a seven-page resolution, Yiye Chen is facing a case for violation of Sections 11 (illegal possession) and 12 (illegal possession of equipment, instrument apparatus and other paraphernalia for dangerous act) of RA No. 9165 before the Angeles City, Pampanga Regional Trial Court (RTC).

Chen was arrested on Aug. 5 at a house in Jasmin Street, Hensonville, Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, Pampanga in a raid conducted by members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), together with the Police Regional Office-3 after a search warrant was issued by Quezon City RTC First Vice Executive Judge Bernelito R. Fernandez.

The authorities confiscated a chest type freezer containing plastics of shabu, duffle bag, vacuum pump and weighing scales.

The total volume of shabu confiscated was 36,584.5023 grams with a street value of PHP100 million.

“After a careful examination of the affidavits… we find probable cause against respondent Yiye Chen for illegal possession of dangerous drugs and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia,” the DOJ resolution said.

No bail was recommended for Chen’s temporary liberty.

The resolution was signed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro C. Navera and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Miguel F. Gudio, Jr. and approved by Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano.