Evidence vs Sergio solid–probers

State investigators said they had solid evidence against Maria Kristina Sergio for illegal recruitment but were still following various leads on her supposed involvement in an international drug trafficking syndicate, a source privy to the investigation told the Inquirer.

Sergio was the recruiter of Mary Jane Veloso, who was arrested in Indonesia in 2010 for carrying 2.6 kilos of heroin. Veloso was sentenced to death but her execution set for last Wednesday was postponed due to Philippine government appeals that cited the arrest of Sergio and the possibility of catching bigger fish in the illicit drug trade with Veloso’s help.

“The evidence against Sergio on human trafficking is sufficient,” the source said. State investigators have gathered sworn statements from various people Sergio had recruited for supposed jobs in Malaysia.

On her links to international syndicates, investigators are pursuing many leads, the source added.

They have been ordered to expedite the gathering of evidence and the filing of a case of illegal drug trafficking against Sergio.

The new evidence against Sergio will be presented during a preliminary hearing at the Department of Justice on May 8.

“Based on the statements of her other supposed victims, Sergio was offering job placements in all Asian countries,” the source said.

The source said investigators already had some names of local and foreign individuals suspected of being members of the West African Drug Syndicate.

The source said the cell phones of Sergio were now with computer experts and investigators and were undergoing forensic exam and analysis.