DOJ starts probe into personalities linked to P6.4-B shabu shipment

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has began its investigation into the drug-related complaints filed against the personalities involved in the shipment of P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China last May.

Cebu-based businessman Kenneth Dong and Eirene May Tatad, consignee of the drug shipment, successfully submitted their respective counter-affidavits answering the complaints filed against them by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in relation to the shabu mess in the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Other respondents Chen Min, Jhu Ming Jyun and Li Guang Feng failed to attend the hearing despite notice from the DOJ.

The DOJ panel of prosecutors considered their right to submit their counter-affidavit waived.

Respondents Chen Ju Long alias Richard Tan, chairman of Philippine Hongfei Logistics Group of Companies where the illegal drugs were seized, Customs brokers Teejay Marcellana and Mark Taguba through their legal counsels, requested for more time to submit their respective counter-affidavits.

The panel of prosecutors led by Assitant State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes gave them until September 25 to submit their counter-affidavits.

Respondent Fidel Anoche Dee, the caretaker of the warehouse wherein more than 602 kilos of shabu were seized, was also given until such time within which to file his counter affidavit.

He was not represented by a legal counsel during the hearing.

All the said repondents are facing charges for importation of dangerous drugs under Section 4 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Li, Dong, and Taguba, meanwhile, are also facing separate complaints for unauthorized practice of customs broker profession under Section 28 of Customs Brokers Act of 2004.

The NBI, in their complaint filed with the DOJ last August, had said that the subjects through their "indispesable cooperation" caused the importation of the five wooden crates from China containing shabu.

The seizure of the illegal drugs was conducted by the NBI last May 26 based on a tip from the Chinese government. (SunStar Philippines/Keith A. Calayag)