MANILA, Philippines—A Filipino was arrested at the Hong Kong airport while allegedly carrying 26 kilogram of heroin, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.
The Filipino, who was not identified, was en route to mainland China when the illegal drugs were purportedly found in his luggage on August 21, the DFA said in a statement.
The man, who worked as an airport cab driver, was offered to go abroad to “deliver goods,” the DFA said.
“This supports the new trend that drug syndicates prefer to recruit employed and more presentable mules who can very well conduct themselves before airport authorities,” it said.
The DFA said the Consulate General is assisting the Filipino to ensure “his rights are respected.”
At the same time, it reiterated its appeal to support the fight against the transnational crime of drug trafficking.
It reminded all Filipinos to “avoid accepting offers from individuals or groups to carry illegal drugs in their luggage or in their person when going abroad in exchange for money, as harsh penalties await them in their destinations.”
A total of 71 Filipinos have been meted death penalties with two-year reprieves in China, which in Philippine legal parlance is equivalent to life imprisonment. Drug trafficking of 50 grams or more of illegal drugs in China is punishable by 15 years in prison, life imprisonment or death.
On March 30, three Filipinos convicted of drug smuggling were executed in China.
In most Muslim countries, drug trafficking is also punishable by death.