Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that prosecutors have successfully secured the conviction of two Chinese nationals accused of importing approximately 240 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, into the Philippines seven years ago.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 116 issued a judgment on August 25, sentencing Jason Ang and James Soriano to life imprisonment. They were also ordered to pay a fine of PHP2 million each for violating Section 4, Art. II of Republic Act 9165, which pertains to the importation of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals.

The case unfolded when Ang and Soriano received a shipment declared as workbench tables from Malaysia at the Philippine Skylander Incorporated (PSI) International Cargo Terminal located at the NAIA Complex in Pasay City, back in October 2020. Upon examination by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), officers discovered a suspicious substance concealed in 12 plastic tea bags within the package, which was later confirmed to be shabu.

Following the BOC's report and a tip-off about a consignee scheduled to deliver the shipment to Cabanatuan City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted an entrapment operation. Both Chinese nationals were apprehended during the operation as they received the illegal contraband.

The court determined that the DOJ presented clear and convincing evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt the crime of illegal drug importation, the conspiracy between the accused, and the integrity of the chain of custody in handling the illicit drugs.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida remarked, "May this serve as a warning to the world that the Philippines is no haven for illegal drugs, especially in this Bagong Pilipinas era where the rule of law prevails at all times."