NBI files charges against 5 in PHP2.7B shabu smuggling attempt

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed criminal charges against five individuals involved in an attempt to smuggle over 404 kg of shabu worth PHP2.7 billion from Karachi, Pakistan last month.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as Oscar Berba, Karen Villaflor, Rey Gujilde, Kevin Lee Arrio, and Richard Aguantar, who were arrested for their roles in facilitating the entry of illegal drugs into the country.

The shipment was intercepted on January 24 through a joint operation involving the NBI, Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) based on intelligence received from a foreign counterpart.

Upon closer inspection, authorities discovered that the cargo declared as food products, specifically vermicelli and custards, contained 404.9515 kilos of shabu.

The suspects were apprehended by NBI when they arrived at the location unaware of their exposure; they were immediately placed under arrest upon opening the boxes containing the drugs.

The suspects face charges under Republic Act 9165 for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 as well as sections of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act for misdeclaration and prohibited importation.