DOJ: Claimant of P218 million shabu faces raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against the recipient of parcels containing P218.4 million worth of shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

According to the DOJ, Christine Tigranes will be charged for importation of drugs under Section 4 of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Complaints for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act will also be filed against the suspect.

Tigranes was arrested after she allegedly received over 31 kilos of shabu shipped by Isaac Chikore from Zimbabwe at a warehouse at the NAIA complex on April 17.

The DOJ said the drugs, which were wrapped in brown cartons, were declared as machinery mufflers.

When the parcels underwent X-ray examination, the DOJ said anti-narcotics agents found the items suspicious, prompting them to conduct a physical inspection of the shipment.

The drugs were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the arrest of Tigranes should serve as a warning against those involved in the illegal drug trade.

“Expect that our campaign against drugs will be more vicious in the coming days. We will never stop until we attain our goal of a 100 percent drug-free Philippines,” Remulla said.