PDEA files charges against Chinese, 16 others for allegedly importing illegal drugs

May 31, 2019

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency ( PDEA) on Friday filed charges against Chinese Xu Zhijian and 16 others for their alleged involvement in the importation of P1.8 billion worth of illegal drugs.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino, in a statement, said they charged Zhijian, two other Chinese national and 13 Filipinos for importing dangerous drugs at the National Prosecution Service of Department of Justice.

All were officers and directors of Wealth Lotus Empire Corp. and Fortuneyield Cargo Services.

The filing of charges against Zhujian or Jacky Co came after Senator Panfilo Lacson Jr., in his privilege speech, revealed the Chinese businessman were behind the illegal drug shipment and was in the Interpol’s watchlist.

Lacson said Xu was able to leave the country. The Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine National Police said they will investigate this matter.

Carreon said last March 22, joint operatives from PDEA, Bureau of Cutoms, Philippine Coast Guard acted on an information they received from counterparts in Vietnam that an estimate value of P1,876,800,000 worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu concealed in sacks of plastic resin will arrive at Manila International Container Port- Container Freight Station 3.

Authorities seized the illegal drugs and found out Wealth Lotus Empire Corp. and Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation were consignees.

According to PDEA, the illegal drugs were concealed with legally imported merchandise (plastic resins) on the chance it could escape detection.

“Documents and affidavits would show that the acts committed by the respondents have a vital connection to the chain of conspiracy, that without such acts, the unlawful importation would be unsuccessful,” Aquino said.

“Filing the appropriate charges will serve as a warning to those individuals, especially to government employees, who extend assistance in drug trafficking,” he added.

He said the PDEA strengthens its collaboration with foreign counterparts with the aim of stopping bulk smuggling of dangerous drugs.

Asked about Lacson’s “case of dishonesty” statement, Director Derrick Carreon, PDEA spokesperson, did not give any comment saying the speech was centered at the Bureau of Customs. Ella Dionisio/DMS