Probe seen to yield solid info on illegal drugs importation

CEBU, Philippines - The Dangerous Drugs Board is strengthening its orders on investigating all those who have access to alleged importation of illegal drugs into the country – may these be officers of partnerships, corporations, associations or other juridical entities.

This as DDB acting chairman Clarence Paul Oaminal recently directed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs to assess criminal liability of the owner of the vans containing around 16 kilos of cocaine in Sasa, Davao City.

Oaminal made the order during the meeting of the DDB which is composed of the Departments of Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs, National Defense and 12 other agencies.

Oaminal pointed out that it is of paramount importance to strengthen the probe on the issue in order to put an end to the entry of illegal drugs into the country in the next years.

He explained that Maersk Line could be criminally liable either for violation of Section 4 which is on the unlawful importation of dangerous drugs or for violation of Section 11, on possession of dangerous drugs, of Republic Act 9165 in relation to Section 30 which is on the criminal liability of officers of partnerships, corporations, associations or other juridical entities.

This as any of unlawful acts committed by a partnership or corporation that consents to or knowingly tolerates such violation shall be held criminally liable as a co-principal.

The 16 kilos of cocaine were seized last December 10 of this year at a wharf in Davao City onboard a van allegedly owned by Maersk Lines which was also reportedly found in its own container yard.

Oaminal directed the multi-agency task force to complete its investigation and determine who will be indicted.

Oaminal said that they are also vigilant on calls for the immediate destruction of the cocaine considering “that it is premature to conclude that there are no accused, as the prosecutor’s office and eventually the court which will handle the case will be the one to order its destruction.”

This is in consonance with Section 21 of Republic Act 9165 and of the Board’s regulation. 

Oaminal said that DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, during the meeting, also suggested to the law enforcers to avail of diplomatic ties in Malaysia which is the common last shipping origin of the three vans carrying the cocaine.

Justice Undersecretary Linda Hornilla asserted as well that it is “legally incorrect to say that there are no accused considering that there is a crime committed under our jurisdiction” and stressed that what is important is thorough investigation. — AJ de la Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)