In a Press Briefing on May 20, 2024 held at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City, Interior and Local Government Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr., along with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, PGen Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, welcomed the members of the media. An overview of the operational achievements of the police force on its campaign against illegal drugs followed.
The briefing started off with SILG Abalos highlighting the latest major effort of PNP on the Alitagtag shabu haul, feeding media first-hand information and news updates on the matter.
The Canadian national who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the delivery of the 1.4-ton shabu (crystal meth) in Alitagtag, Batangas was presented by Secretary Abalos before the press.
According to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., the Canadian, identified as Thomas Gordon O’ Quinn, who also goes by the name of James Toby Martin, “played a big role” in the multi-billion peso drug haul.
The suspect is on the red notice list of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) over various cases, making him a big catch to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) headed by Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. after a manhunt operation was launched on May 16 in Tagaytay City.
Recovered from O’ Quinn were two medium-sized vacuum-sealed plastic sachets allegedly containing shabu; one medium-sized plastic sachet containing a substance believed to be cocaine; one small plastic sachet containing unidentified tablets, also believed to be illegal drugs; and various identification documents.
Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as Article 178 of the Revised Penal Code for the use of fictitious names, were filed against the suspect.
Abalos said, that charges against O’ Quinn in relation to the Alitagtag operation have yet to be filed, as they want to ensure that an air-tight case will be referred to the court.
“If you could bear with us, we cannot reveal any details right now,” he added.
The whole press, respected the statement of SILG as they, too, are one with PNP in bringing reliable and trustworthy information to the public.
The briefing concluded with the commitment of PNP in building evidence for the arrest of the other members who are behind the seizure of the said illegal drugs to resonate CPNP’s battle cry, “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!”
