Shabu shipment suspect Richard Tan barred from leaving PH

Richard Chen, aka Richard Tan INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

One of the suspects in the shipment of P 6.4 billion worth of shabu was prevented from leaving the country on Thursday morning.

The Bureau of Immigration said it intercepted Richard Tan, alias “Chen Ju Long,” as he was about to board a China Eastern Airlines flight to Shanghai.

BI spokesperson Antonette Mangrobang said the incident happened at 3 am Thursday at the Clark International Airport.

“He was trying to board a China Eastern Airlines flight number MU 5046 for Shanghai Pudong International Airport,” Mangrobang said.

Tan was the subject of an immigration lookout bulletin order issued by justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II for his alleged involvement in the shipping of P 6.4 billion worth of shabu to the country.

READ: 8 people linked to illegal drug shipment in lookout bulletin

The ILBO also included six others, as well as a customs broker and an official of the Bureau of Customs.

Immigration officers at the Clark International Airport noticed Tan’s attempt to leave the country and immediately referred him to duty supervisors Abubakar Rasuman and Cynthia Reodica.

This was because of the ILBO against him issued last August 3 by Aguirre.

An ILBO directs immigration officers to be on the lookout for the said personalities should they pass through international ports and seaports.

“His departure was deferred and he was advised to secure an allow departure order from the Department of Justice,” Mangrobang added. /je