DOJ summons Jacky Co over P1.8-B shabu shipment

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has summoned suspected Chinese drug lord Jacky Co and 16 others allegedly involved in the smuggling of P1.8 billion worth of illegal drugs to its preliminary probe set on July 5 and 10. 

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Clarisa Kuong, who chairs the panel of prosecutors handling the case, said on Tuesday, June 18, that subpoenas had been sent to the respondents.

The other members of the panel are Assistant State Prosecutors Rodan Parrocha and Noel Antay Jr.

The respondents were also directed to submit their counter-affidavits to the complaint  filed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), accusing them of violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

Aside from Xu Zhi Jian alias Jacky Co, the other respondents in the PDEA complaint are:

• Dong An Dong
• Julie Hao Gamboa
• Fe Tamayosa
• Alvin Bautista
• Jane Abello Castillo
• Carlo Dale T. Zueta
• Abraham G. Torecampo
• Arwin P. Caparros
• Leonardo S. Sucaldito
• Mark Leo D. Magpayo 
• Brian Pabilona
• Meldy Sayson
• Rhea Tolosa
• Edgardo Dominado
• Jerry Siguenza
• Debbie Joy Aceron

The respondents are officers and/or directors of Wealth Lotus Empire Corporation and Fortuneyield Cargo Services Corporation which facilitated the shipment.

Authorities intercepted the shabu shipment hidden in plastic resin at the Manila International Container Terminal on March 22,  following a tip from Vietnamese authorities. – Rappler.com