DOJ okays suing of consignee of P218 million worth of shabu seized at NAIA

Cocaine seized from a passenger at the NAIA (File photo dated May 23, 2023)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the filing of criminal case against the consignee of the P218-million worth of shabu seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last April 17.

Christine Tigranes is facing a case for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act, specifically Section 4 on the Importation of Dangerous Drugs.

Tigranes will also face a second charge for violating Section 1401 of the Unlawful Importation or Exportation Act or the Republic Act 10863 on the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

READ: PDEA seizes over P200 million shabu in Parañaque

Following her arrest, Tigranes was brought to the DOJ for inquest proceedings.

An inquest proceeding is a summary procedure to determine whether or not an individual arrested without a warrant will be released on account of a dismissal of charges, released for further preliminary investigation proceedings, or charged in court.

The DOJ did not provide any details on the findings of probable cause and where or when the case will be filed.

The shipment declared as “machinery muffler” arrived from Zimbabwe on April 13 at the Paircargo warehouse facility in NAIA.

The package was shipped by a certain Isaac Chikore from Harare, Zimbabwe and consigned to Tigranes.