Canadian arrested in Tagaytay for PHP9.68B shabu shipment

Canadian national Thomas Gordon O'Quinn, linked to a PHP9.68 billion shabu shipment intercepted in Batangas on April 15, was arrested Thursday night in Tagaytay City, Cavite.

O'Quinn, who also goes by James Toby Martin, was apprehended at the Nurture Spa and Wellness in Brgy Maitim II during a joint operation involving the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Bureau of Immigration, and other agencies.

The suspect is subject to an Interpol red notice for conspiracy to possess, export, and distribute illegal substances into the United States with a penalty of life imprisonment.

During his arrest, O'Quinn surrendered several drug packages including shabu and cocaine, along with identification cards, bank cards, mobile phones, SIM cards, and cash.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the seized drugs had unique packaging and markings distinct from previous seizures, suggesting involvement of a different drug syndicate.

Authorities are now tracing the source of these illegal drugs to dismantle the extensive criminal networks involved.