Pinay arrested for drug trafficking at Hong Kong airport

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina was arrested at the Hong Kong International Airport for alleged drug trafficking, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

Citing a report of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, the Filipina arrived there aboard a Cebu Pacific flight on Aug. 4, carrying 276 grams of cocaine on her person. She is currently detained at the Tai Lam Centre for Women.

The Filipina first appeared at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates’ Court on Aug. 9 and is scheduled for another hearing on Oct. 28.

In her interview with a representative from the Consulate, the Filipina said she was allegedly recruited by a Chinese national who is supposedly detained at the Parañaque City Jail.

The Chinese national promised that she would receive payment after she delivered the drugs to Hong Kong. The drugs were given to her by an associate of the Chinese national and she was instructed to hand over the drugs to a man who would meet her in Hong Kong upon her arrival.

The Consulate General is currently monitoring developments and will help ensure that she is assisted by legal counsel.

lIocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, son of Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, was arrested for alleged drug trafficking last July 11 at the same airport for alleged drug offenses.

He was then charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs pursuant to the Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drug Ordinance at the Tsuen Wan Magistrates’ Court.

Singson and his lawyer appeared in court last July 22 and applied for bail, but the court denied his application and set another hearing on Aug. 19 pending receipt of certification from Hong Kong government authorities on findings on the drugs allegedly found in his possession.