Accessibility links

Breaking News

Nephew of Philippine President's Adviser Nabbed for Drugs


 FILE - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech.
FILE - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech.

A nephew of one of Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte's inner circle was caught selling drugs in a sting operation in the president's home city, the anti-narcotics agency said on Friday.

John Paul Dureza, the nephew of Duterte's political adviser and peace negotiator Jesus Dureza, was caught selling 15 grams of "shabu" methamphetamine to an undercover Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent in Davao City on Thursday.

Jesus Dureza, a childhood friend of Duterte who leads a troubled peace process with communist rebels, said he was embarrassed by his nephew and praised the PDEA for showing no favors to those with connections.

"I commend the authorities for enforcing and applying the law without fear or favor," he said in a statement. "That's the way this no-nonsense drive of President Duterte should proceed."

Dureza's nephew would be charged with possession of drugs and firearms and had long been on the PDEA's radar, its regional chief, Adzar Albani, said.

The arrest comes weeks after a scandal came to light that led to Duterte suspending all police anti-drugs operations.

Rogue anti-drugs officers were found to have been involved in the kidnapping and killing of a South Korean businessman, inside the national police headquarters.

The PDEA is now leading the anti-drug campaign and will be using troops for support during raids in hostile situations.

Duterte is also sending 200 police officers facing internal investigations to a troubled southern island to fight Islamist militants.

  • 16x9 Image

    Reuters

    Reuters is a news agency founded in 1851 and owned by the Thomson Reuters Corporation based in Toronto, Canada. One of the world's largest wire services, it provides financial news as well as international coverage in over 16 languages to more than 1000 newspapers and 750 broadcasters around the globe.

XS
SM
MD
LG