DRUG trafficking is like a networking scheme with a hierarchical setup, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Wednesday after meeting with officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and members of the special task force created by the Department of Justice.
De Lima said Maria Kristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao who are currently detained at the NBI started as drug mules in 2011, based on records of the NBI.
“Sergio and Lacanilao started as drug mules. They explained during the meeting that there is a multiplier effect or the mechanics where they start as drug mules and then turn to being recruiters,” de Lima said.
“This is like networking. Some of them start as drug mules and turn to being recruiters and recruit other drug mules and it is always for a fee,” she said.
The two are currently detained at the NBI after more than 10 of their victims surfaced to file separate complaint against them.
De Lima said the victims will also become a witness on the case of Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina sentenced to death for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage which she claimed she was not aware of. She was supposed to be executed last April 28 along with eight others but she was given a reprieve.
Based on Veloso’s affidavit, Lacanilao introduced her to Sergio. She went to Malaysia with Sergio where they met a certain “Ike,” brother of Prince, the boyfriend of Sergio.
It was Ike who gave Veloso the luggage where the heroin was hidden.
De Lima said investigators are still verifying if the other victims of Sergio and Lacanilao where also used as drug mules.
“Wala pa yan sa report ng NBI kasi iisa-isahin pa ng NBI yung mga ni-recruit nila,” de Lima said.
She added that they are also confirming if the “Ike” in the database of both PDEA and NBI showing he is connected with the West African Drug Syndicate is the same “Ike” who met Veloso in Malaysia. AC