NBI nabs 2 suspected members of int'l drug ring

Operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation have arrested two suspected members of the West African Drug Syndicate, a radio report said Wednesday. Arrested on Tuesday afternoon were a Guineian Republic citizen identified as Pascal Kamano and Kachanaphon Chenchunwithan, a female Thai national. Both were nabbed following a raid at the Stargate Pensionne Hotel in Malate, Manila. The radio dzBB report said that according to the NBI, a kilogram of cocaine, estimated to be worth five million pesos, was seized in the raid. The illegal drugs, already capsulized and wrapped in packaging tapes, were reportedly planned to be transported to Thailand. At a news briefing at the NBI headquarters in Manila where the suspected drug traders were presented, Vice President Jejomar Binay praised the NBI for scoring in the fight against illegal drugs. Binay noted that the notorious drug syndicate is known for using Filipinos, particularly OFWs, as drug mules. The two suspected WADS members are currently being held at the NBI jail on charges of violations of Sections 5 and 26 of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Section 5 of the Act penalizes individuals involved in the sales, trade, dispensation, distribution and transportation of illegal drugs while Section 26 penalizes individuals with attempt or conspiracy to commit importation of dangerous drugs. — Emmanuel Louis Bacani/RSJ, GMA News