BI starts probe on Chinese man allegedly behind P1.8B drug shipment

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has started its probe on the allegation that a Chinese national who has frequented the Philippines is behind the P1.8 billion drug shipment that arrived in the country in March 22.

BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval on Thursday said Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente immediately ordered an investigation into the claim of Senator Panfilo Lacson about Zhijian Xu alias Jacky Co.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Lacson said Co is said to be included in the Interpol’s wachlist and has been frequenting the country despite being wanted by authorities in China.

READ: Lacson names Chinese man behind P1.8-B drug shipment

However, according to Sandoval, there are no records at the BI have to prove Lacson’s allegations.

“We learned about this yesterday afternoon, and Commissioner Morente immediately ordered a probe on this,” Sandoval said in a text message to INQUIRER.net

“Although initial verification showed that the names have no Interpol hit and no matching travel records, we are expanding the investigation with the help of other law enforcement and intelligence agencies,” she added.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)