Drug convict Yu Yuk Lai dies of COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Convicted drug trafficker Yu Yuk Lai has died of COVID-related infection, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) confirmed last night.

Yu died at 9:47 a.m. yesterday due to acute myocardial infarction or heart attack, according to BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag.

Her COVID symptoms were severe, Chaclag said, adding that the drug convict had been confined at the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City since May 4.

She tested positive for COVID and was diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. Yu stayed at the hospital for seven days.

In 1998, Yu was caught delivering three kilos of shabu to an undercover agent in exchange for P2 million casino chips.

She was convicted of drug trafficking in 2001 and was sentenced to life in prison. BuCor officials drew criticism for her prolonged stays in private hospitals.