The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested in Muntinlupa City yesterday afternoon Kenneth Dong who is facing charges over his alleged involvement in the 2017 smuggling of illegal drugs worth P6.4 billion.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Undersecretary Markk Perete confirmed the arrest of Dong who has pending drug charges before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46.
“Dong Yi Shen aka Kenneth Dong, alleged mediator/facilitator of the P6.4 billion shabu shipment raided by NBI AOTCD (Anti-Organized Transnational Crime Division) and BOC (Bureau of Customs) in Valenzuela in May 2017, was arrested by NBI AOTCD Operatives at 2 pm in Lot 87, Block 12, Phase 2, Katarungan Village, Muntinlupa City,” Perete said in a statement to reporters.
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“The arrest was effected by virtue of the alias Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon Judge Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa of Regional Trial Court BR 46 of Manila for Violation of section 4 in relation to Section 26 (a) of RA 9165 (Importation of Dangerous Drugs),” he indicated.
The DOJ filed the case before the Manila RTC back in January 24, 2018 after finding probable cause to indict him and his co-accused.
Apart from Dong, those who have been named as accused are alleged customs fixer Mark Ruben Taguba II; Chen Julong, alias Richard Tan or Richard Chen; Li Guang Feng, alias Manny Li; Eirene Mae Tatad; Teejay Marcellana; Chen I-Min; Jhu Ming Jhun; and Chen Rong Huan.
They are accused of having conspired in bringing into the country 602.279 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.
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The case stemmed from the BOC’s discovery of the shabu shipment at the Hong Fei Logistics warehouse in Valenzuela City on May 26, 2017 based on a tip from the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of the China Customs.
The shabu shipment managed to enter the country through the BOC after being declared as kitchenware, footwear, and moldings.
The case at the Manila RTC was already a re-filing after it was originally dismissed on December 12, 2017 by Judge Maria Nena Santos of the Valenzuela City RTC Branch 171 for lack of jurisdiction.
Judge Santos pointed out in her dismissal order the crime of importation of dangerous drugs was already consummated when the drug shipment arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on May 15.
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source: manila bulletin
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