4 Chinese in P2-B shabu haul charged

MANILA, Philippines - Charges were filed yesterday against the four Chinese who were arrested in an anti-drug operation in Pampanga that resulted in the seizure of P2 billion worth of shabu.

The suspects – Jason Lee, his alleged wife Ying Ying Huang alias Sophia Lee, Willy Yap and Neil Tan – were brought for inquest before assistant state prosecutor Michael Vito Cruz at the Department of Justice (DOJ).

 The charges stemmed from a complaint filed by a joint anti-narcotics team from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The respondents refused to answer the allegations, prompting the investigating prosecutor to submit the complaint for resolution.

The DOJ is expected to rule on the case either today or tomorrow.

At least 185 kilos of shabu with a street value of P2 billion and 925 kilos of ephedrine were allegedly seized from the suspects during a raid on a warehouse in Barangay San Jose in San Fernando City last week.

Authorities said the 925 kilos of ephedrine, a chemical used in the manufacture of shabu, could produce P8 billion worth of drugs. 

The illegal items were found in seven balikbayan boxes hidden inside a sport utility vehicle.