CEBU, Philippines - The Kenyan National who was arrested for transporting what was believed to be shabu worth P18 million is now detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Jail after formal charges were filed against her in court yesterday.
Asha Atieno Ogutu, 24, did not ask for a preliminary investigation during which she could file a counter-affidavit to present her side on the complaint. The prosecutor then filed the case against her in court after finding probable cause in the complaint.
Ogutu is facing charges for violating Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Section 5 deals with transportation of dangerous drugs.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent Arnel Pura said Ogutu cannot post bail in the case.
“No counter-affidavit was filed and no lawyer. The case was under RTC Branch 27 Judge Toribio Quiwag,” Pura said in a text message to The FREEMAN.
Ogutu earlier denied knowing that there was shabu in her luggage. She said it was a certain Josh who handed the bag to her when she was still in Bernin in the west part of Africa. She said Josh approached her and told that her backpack bag was not good to look at while traveling and gave her a traveling bag.
Ogutu said further it was a certain Ray who processed all her documents and her stay in Cebu. Ray reportedly told her to call him once she reaches Cebu, but as it turned out, she was not able to do so, as she was arrested at the airport upon her arrival at the Mactan Cebu International Airport last September 29.
She arrived here on board Qatar Airways Flight 656 from Doha, Qatar.
NBI-7 Director Edward Villarta said they launched the operation after receiving a tip from their central office in Manila. With the help of other police agencies, Pura’s team apprehended Ogutu and recovered two packs of shabu wrapped in aluminum from her luggage.
Villarta said the contents of the two packs tested positive for shabu upon examination. The packs reportedly were not intended for Cebu but were supposed to be taken to another country.
As of yesterday, authorities said the Kenyan embassy has not extended any assistance to Ogutu. Should no lawyer is sent by the time she is arraigned tomorrow, the court will assign a lawyer who can represent her during trial. (FREEMAN)