The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to elevate to the trial court the smuggling charges against nine persons allegedly involved in the P6.4 billion drug shipment.
During a preliminary investigation on Wednesday, the BOC sought the indictment of the respondents for violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).
The BOC is also accusing the respondents of unlawful importation in violation of provisions under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
“Defendants are one in their denial that there was no connivance among themselves. However, it is clear that based on their overt acts, each defendant may be constituted as principal by indispensable cooperation,” read the BOC’s nine-page reply-affidavit.
The BOC identified the respondents as customs fixer Mark Ruben Taguba, businessman Kenneth Dong, Chen, Eirene May Tatad, owner of EMT Trading, consignee of the drug shipment, Chinese businessman Chen Ju Long, also known as Richard Tan, Taiwanese nationals Chen Min and Jhu Ming Jyun, warehouse caretaker Fidel Anoche Dee, Marcellana, Li and unidentified individuals whom the BOC believed to have been involved in the shabu shipment.
Tan, chairman and general manager of Philippine Hongfei Logistics Group of Companies Inc., owns the warehouse in Valenzuela City where the shabu shipment was seized last May 26.
The businessman tried to flee the country following his indictment for importation of dangerous drugs but was barred by the Bureau of Immigration at the airport due to a lookout bulletin order.
Assistant State Prosecutor Guhit said he hopes to terminate the probe by January 4. Following the termination, Guhit said all parties would be asked to file their respective memorandums. /je