Drug lab operator caught at NAIA

Immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) arrested a suspected illegal drugs laboratory operator yesterday morning after the suspect turned out to be on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Hsu Hung Hui, 49, a Taiwanese national, was nabbed before he boarded a China Airlines flight to Taiwan around 9:00 a.m.

NAIA Immigration Department chief Ferdinand Sampol said the suspect was turned over to the custody of the PDEA after a tactical interrogation.

Sampol told The STAR Hsu denied that he operated a drug laboratory in the Philippines, claiming that he is only involved in the manufacture of cosmetic products.

Despite his denial, PDEA agents will file appropriate charges against the Taiwanese national for his alleged link to a shabu laboratory in Southern Luzon.

Sampol said Hsu, who had been in and out of the country, also violated the terms of his stay in the Philippines.

He said the Hsu has also been in the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) watchlist as requested by the PDEA.

Sources said airport security officers are verifying information that witnesses saw policemen escort Hsu to the Immigration counter.

These policemen, however, allegedly left hurriedly just before Hsu was arrested.