NBI arrests De Lima’s ‘nephew,’ co-accused in drug case

Jose Adrian Dera in custody at NBI headquarters in Manila. Photo by Tetch Torres-Tupas/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday morning arrested an alleged nephew of Senator Leila De Lima in connection with a drug case the detained senator is now facing.

Jose Adrian Dera or Jad was arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga at 5:30 Friday morning, his lawyer Atty. Raymond Palad said.

NBI Spokesman Ferdinand Lavin said Dera was arrested by the NBI’s Special Task Force under Chief Gerald Geraldo.

“Special Task Force under Chief Geralde arrested this morning in Angeles, Pampanga by virtue of Arrest Warrant issued by Muntinlupa RTC Jose Adrian Dera, co-accused of Sen. De Lima in a drugs case,” Lavin said.

Meanwhile, Palad said Dera will be brought to the NBI headquarters in Manila.

Dera is one of De Lima’s co-accused in the illegal drug case now being heard at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court. /muf