Gov’t prosecutors charge Espinosa, 3 others with drug raps before courts

July 25, 2018

Government prosecutors  on Wednesday formally charged confessed drug operator Kerwin Espinosa and three others with drug charges before the regional trial courts in Manila and Makati City.

They filed three separate counts of violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, particularly conspiracy to commit illegal drug trade, against Espinosa, convicted drug lord Peter Co, Lovely Impal and Ruel Malindangan.

Acting Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said two counts were filed against the four before the Manila RTC, while the third count before the Makati City RTC.

Fadullon said preliminary investigation by a panel chaired by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera found basis in the complaint of Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) against Espinosa and company, including Cebuano businessman Peter Lim.

But the justice department has not resolved drug charges of the CIDG against Lim after the panel granted his plea for a separate preliminary investigation. DMS