CLARK FREEPORT -- Airport and anti-illegal drugs authorities seized some two kilos of high grade cocaine worth about P16 million from a 68-year old American who allegedly tried to smuggle the drug at Clark International Airport Sunday evening.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency III (PDEA-3) Director Emerson Margate identified the suspect as Alan Sohoo, holder of US passport and a resident of New York.
Margate said on Monday that Sohoo---whom he said was of Chinese descent--- was arrested outright shortly after he alighted from Emirates flight 338 from Dubai past 11:00 pm last Sunday.
Margate said the suspect boarded Emirates in Dubai via Cebu and Clark. He disclosed that "it was an interdiction operation."
"The suspect was closely monitored from Dubai up to the place of his destination. It is called controlled delivery," said Margate.
The cocaine was found inside a hand carried bag with a trolley of the suspect. "Parang pinasadya ang bag para sa purpose na yon," he said, adding that authorities have yet to determine if the suspect belongs to any international drug group.
The regional director revealed they had information that the suspect is arriving at the Clark International Airport with illegal drugs. The operation, Margate said, was a joint operation of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Customs, Aviation Security Group, PDEA National Capital Regional Office and the Homeland Security Agency.
The suspect and the seized cocaine are now in the custody of the PDEA-3 in the City of San Fernando. The suspect will undergo further investigation as violation of the anti-illegal drugs law is being readied against him.