DILG: Canadian ‘major player’ in P9.6 billion drug haul

[Lee]

Quote

 

MANILA, Philippines — The government is getting closer to dismantling the drug ring behind the P9.6-billion shabu shipment seized by authorities in Alitagtag, Batangas last month following the arrest of a Canadian suspect, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Thomas Gordon O’Quinn was presented to media yesterday by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Abalos underscored the significant role of O’Quinn in the drug smuggling operation.

“He is one of the major characters in this case. He is a major player,” Abalos said, adding that authorities have “solid evidence linking O’Quinn to the illegal drug trade.”

O’Quinn, also known as James Toby Martin, was apprehended by intelligence operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office, Calabarzon police and Bureau of Immigration at a spa in Barangay Maitim II, Tagaytay on May 16.

The suspect was nabbed based on a red notice alert from the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol for conspiracy to possess, export and distribute illegal drugs in the United States.

During O’Quinn’s arrest, police said the suspect allegedly yielded an undetermined amount of shabu, cocaine and Ecstasy tablets.

DILG: Canadian ‘major player’ in P9.6 billion drug haul

Authorities also recovered from the suspect 14 identification cards with his photos under different names, seven cell phones, a computer tablet, 14 SIM cards and P3,600 in cash.

“This is under investigation. So we will provide only essential information to ensure that the case is airtight,” Marbil said.

He said police are digging deeper into the case to unmask those behind the shabu shipment and dismantle the drug ring members.

Abalos commended the performance of the PNP in the war on drugs, saying that nearly P13 billion worth of drugs were intercepted from Jan. 1 to May 19.

O’Quinn previously eluded arrest during a raid on a house he rented in Barangay Natipuan, Nasugbu, Batangas last month.

Abalos said the suspect will be charged for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Article 178 of the Revised Penal Code (use of fictitious names).

 

DILG: Canadian ‘major player’ in P9.6 billion drug haul (msn.com)

[Rooster]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI6TXX0h-uU

 

[Freebie]

Nice and easy to place tall he blame on a foreigner. No doubt makes Filipinos feel better. But no drug importer regardless of the amount imported is able to sell it without having a gang of sellers and distributors.. .and lets just say its doubtful they are Canadians too......

[hk blues]

1 hour ago, Freebie said:

Nice and easy to place tall he blame on a foreigner. No doubt makes Filipinos feel better. But no drug importer regardless of the amount imported is able to sell it without having a gang of sellers and distributors.. .and lets just say its doubtful they are Canadians too......

If he's involved at any level of the chain then he deserves whatever he gets.  If he is at any level of the chain he will need to sleep with one eye open these nights. 

[Mike J]

11 hours ago, hk blues said:

If he's involved at any level of the chain then he deserves whatever he gets.  If he is at any level of the chain he will need to sleep with one eye open these nights. 

 Also the Philippines were alerted by Interpol so no question he is/was a major figure not just here but in Canada and the USA.  This guy is quite likely looking a life sentence.

Here is an article from the Toronto Sun

https://torontosun.com/news/world/suspected-canadian-drug-lord-wanted-by-interpol-busted-in-philippines

Cops say Interpol was hunting the 38-year-old for a slew of drug charges against him in the U.S.

O’Quinn reportedly was arrested at a spa in Tagaytay City on May 16 with 45 grams of methamphetamine (or “shabu” as the locals call it), 82 grams of cocaine and 14 ID cards that all had different names but with his photograph.

According to cops, he is also the subject of an Interpol red notice after a U.S. district court in western Washington released a warrant for his arrest.

He has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the illegal substance called methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 5 kilos or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

An additional charge of conspiracy to export from the U.S. 5 kilos of cocaine was also filed against him.

Cops allege O’Quinn committed the offences between August 2014 and June 2015 during which time he and some cohorts imported and exported illegal drugs from Canada into the U.S. and vice-versa.

He faces life in prison in the U.S. if convicted.

Local authorities had pegged O’Quinn as a major player in a massive 1.4-ton dope bust last month.

“He has to stand trial and face his crimes locally, before we deport him so he can again stand trial for the crimes he committed abroad,” a police spokesman said.

“This is a major accomplishment of all agencies involved. It serves as a warning to syndicates that might be attempting to initiate illegal operations here in the Philippines. Your crimes will not go unpunished.”

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Hamilton woman has been charged in Bermuda with trying to import $1.7 million in cannabis into the island nation.

Mara Faiazza was also charged with conspiracy with others to import a controlled drug (cannabis) and possession of a controlled drug (cannabis) with intent to supply. Authorities say she was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offences.

She is reportedly out on $100,000 bail with a slew of conditions. Faiazza will next appear at the Supreme Court on July 1

 

[graham59]

Cut the hands off these scumbags...without exception. 

A deterrent is called for.