Chinese charged for carrying drug paraphernalia

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City prosecutor’s office has recommended the filing of charges against a Chinese man who was arrested for allegedly carrying illegal drug paraphernalia in a Masbate-bound bus last week.

Zhang Youhuo, 46, will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Zhang was apprehended at the Araneta Center bus terminal on Friday, said Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano.

Albano said traces of shabu were found in two pipettes recovered from the suspect.

Inquest prosecutor Rogelio Antero recommended a P40,000 bail for the temporary release of the suspect.

Under Republic Act 9165, possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable with imprisonment from six months to four years and a fine ranging from P10,000 to P50,000.

Albano said they are coordinating with the Chinese embassy to determine if the alien documents presented by Zhang are authentic.

He said they are still checking if Zhang’s case is related to a recent incident involving the seizure of drug chemicals and equipment in another bus bound for Masbate.

Last month, 32 boxes containing chemicals and equipment needed for manufacturing shabu were discovered at the same bus terminal.

The boxes were supposed to contain used clothing worth P20,000. However, one of the glass containers broke and the smell of the chemical alerted authorities.

Albano lauded Alexander Bayle, security guard at the Araneta bus terminal, who insisted on inspecting the boxes carried by Zhang.