(Eagle News)–The alleged middleman in the P6.4-billion shabu shipment that was smuggled into the country in 2017 has pleaded not guilty to illegal drug importation.
Kenneth Dong entered the plea during his arraignment at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 on Monday, Feb. 18.
Dong was arrested on Feb. 4 at Katarungan Village in Muntinlupa.
The Department of Justice has said it was probing a possible connivance between Dong and some Justice employees who are allowed to stay in the DOJ housing following the arrest.
Apart from Dong, charged in connection with the shipment were Manny Li, Richard Tan, owner of the Hong Fei Logistics warehouse in Valenzuela City where the drug shipment was found, fixer Mark Taguba II, import company owner Eirene May Tatad, Customs broker Teejay Marcellana, and Taiwanese businessmen Chen I-Min, Jhu Ming Jhun and Chen Rong Huan.
In August 2017, Dong was arrested for rape but he was later released after the complainant did not push through with the case.