Former Pinay teacher in China arrested for drug smuggling

A Filipina, a former teacher, faces the death penalty in China after she was arrested for bringing nearly two kilos of heroin this week. Citing a report from the Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the woman was arrested in Guangzhou for suspected drug smuggling. "The said Filipina was found to be carrying 1,996 grams of heroin concealed in a foil packet hidden under her checked-in suitcase," the DFA said on its website. Personnel of the Guangzhou Customs District Bureau of Anti-smuggling made the arrest, the DFA said. While it did not name the former teacher, the DFA said the Filipina used to work as a school teacher in Guangdong Province and was even granted an alien employment permit by the Chinese government. The DFA lamented the incident occurred despite recent warnings by the Philippine government against acting as drug mules. "This unfortunate incident still happened despite the successive warnings issued by the DFA and various Philippine Embassies and Consulate Generals on the plight of Filipino nationals who have been meted with the death penalty for drug-smuggling," the DFA said. It added the former teacher's possible involvement in an illegal activity "gives a new impression to the recruitment of potential drug mules." According to the DFA, international drug syndicates seem to recruit young professionals or office workers with presentable personalities, and who could easily pass as tourists. "In most cases, single mothers or separated housewives are most vulnerable to the drug mule offers," it said. At present, there are 100 drug-smuggling cases within the Consulate's jurisdiction alone. About 78 of these cases involve women. One death penalty case remains pending before the People's Supreme Court in Beijing. The Philippine Consulate General reiterated its appeal to the public to be vigilant in accepting offers of travel and work abroad, or in accepting packages from people they hardly know. In China, a person caught with more than 50 grams of illegal drugs will suffer the death penalty if convicted. According to the Consulate, protection from falling in a distressful situation abroad is a responsibility that should be foremost in every Filipino. The DFA said if a person allows himself to be used by international drug syndicates in exchange for money, he must also be ready to face severe penalties. – VVP, GMANews.TV