Yacht in transport of P9.7 billion shabu seized

MANILA, Philippines — Four private yachts, including the one allegedly used in transporting the P9.68 billion worth of shabu in Batangas in April, have been seized by a joint team of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The yachts, seized in Nasugbu, Batangas on June 28, were allegedly owned by Canadian national Thomas Gordon O’Quinn, who also uses the name James Toby Martin, the BOC said.

O’Quinn was arrested in Tagaytay in May for alleged involvement in the delivery of the 1.4 tons of illegal drugs intercepted at a police checkpoint in Barangay Pinagkurusan, Alitagtag town on April 15.

Investigation showed the yacht that reportedly transported the illegal drugs was named Mr. Kiwi, while the rest were Spoontuz, Solar Boat and Sy Aragon.

With the help of the port of Manila’s customs investigation and intelligence service field station and water patrol division, the BOC issued on June 27 a warrant of detention against the four vessels for alleged violation of Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

After receiving information on the whereabouts of the vessels, the BOC coordinated with the PNP and PDEA for the serving of the warrant.

The yachts are currently docked at a port in Nasugbu. These will be turned over to the port of Manila‘s auction and cargo disposal division.

“President Marcos Jr. tasked us to ensure that our borders are secure, our trade is lawful and our communities are safe. In response, we launched a series of comprehensive initiatives aimed at dismantling drug smuggling,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.