CLARK, PAMPANGA — A South Korean national, allegedly wanted in his home country for selling drugs online, has been apprehended by authorities in Clark, Pampanga. The suspect, identified as Choi Minjae, 33, was detained by agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as he was about to board a flight to Incheon, South Korea on Monday. The arrest was confirmed by BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, who noted the swift action taken by immigration officers to prevent Choi’s escape.
According to reports, Choi Minjae is accused of selling illegal drugs worth approximately $3.27 million through online transactions between April 2022 and June 2023. This significant amount underscores the severity of the charges against him, as he allegedly facilitated numerous drug deals over an extended period. The authorities’ successful capture of Choi marks a critical step in curbing the illicit drug trade that spans international borders.
Following his arrest, Choi Minjae was transported to the BI detention facility located at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig. He will remain in detention there until the formalities for his deportation are completed. Commissioner Tansingco emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Choi would be “perpetually barred from entering the country again and will be included in the immigration blacklist.” This measure ensures that Choi will not be able to re-enter the Philippines and potentially resume his illegal activities.
Further complicating Choi’s legal situation, it was revealed that he is the subject of a red notice issued by Interpol in February. A red notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. This international alert highlights the cross-border nature of Choi’s alleged crimes and the collaborative effort required to bring him to justice.
Choi Minjae’s legal troubles are far from over, as he has been indicted before a South Korean court on charges of drug trafficking. The court has issued a warrant for his arrest, adding another layer of legal proceedings that he will face upon his return to South Korea. The indictment and the warrant signify the South Korean judicial system’s determination to prosecute Choi for his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
The arrest of Choi Minjae serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by international and local authorities to combat the drug trade. The collaboration between the Bureau of Immigration, Interpol, and South Korean law enforcement illustrates the global commitment to preventing drug trafficking and bringing those responsible to justice. As Choi awaits deportation and subsequent trial in South Korea, his case continues to underscore the importance of vigilance and cooperation in the fight against transnational crime.
Photo by: Philippine Star
