MANILA – Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have foiled a recent attempt by a South Korean detainee to sneak illegal drugs into the bureau’s detention center in Taguig City.
In a statement Friday, Adolfo Marasigan, officer in charge of the facility, said the custodial center’s guards intercepted a package containing four grams of shabu consigned to 41-year-old Yang Heejun on Sept. 21.
The illegal substance was found wrapped in plastic inside a kimchi (fermented vegetables) container, together with other food supplies.
“Our agents started to be wary when Yang became very insistent in getting the package at once, without undergoing the standard inspection,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Norman Tansingco noted that Yang was originally arrested last April 18 in Angeles City, Pampanga for stealing 14.15 million Korean won and is wanted for special larceny and destruction of property in Seoul, South Korea.
“Being a fugitive from justice, Yang poses risk to public safety and security. He was charged with being an undesirable alien and shall be deported to face charges in his country,” the BI chief said.
The foreigner is currently being held by authorities while he faces a case for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
Yang will be criminally charged and prosecuted in court and, if convicted, shall serve his sentence in the Philippines first before he can be deported.
Meanwhile, he said the incident was not the first time their agents have confiscated illegal items in the detention center.
“The BI will remain vigilant and continue to be strict in performing inspections while investigations are ongoing,” the Commissioner added. (PNA)
