(Eagle News) — The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested a former professional basketball player and two others in a buy-bust operation in Mandaluyong on Wednesday.
In a statement on Friday, the NBI identified the suspects as Dorian Alan Pena, who played for several Philippine Basketball Association teams such as Barako Bull, Global Port Batang Pier, among others; Jose Paolo Ampeso; and Ampeso’s live-in partner, Ledy Mea Mesia Vilchez, alias Mae.
Ampeso, the NBI said, is the son of Jose Arthur Ampeso, former chief consul general for Vancouver, Canada.
According to the NBI, the buy-bust operation in Merryland Village was made possible with the help of an informant, who arranged a “transaction” between Vilchez and an undercover operative.
NBI Director Dante Gierran said NBI operatives had received information that Vilchez, who was the last known companion of Jun No, a Korean-American wanted for drug trafficking, distributed drugs for Korean clients.
The three suspects were reportedly having a pot session before the illegal drug transaction.
“Subjects resisted arrest and manifested signs of being under the influence of illegal drugs,” the NBI said.
They later tested positive for drug use.
Drug paraphernalia were also seized during the operation.
According to the NBI, the suspects have been presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
“With the arrest of the three suspects involving a Filipino-American (former) professional basketball player, and a son of a former diplomat of the Philippine government, the NBI sends the clear message that there is no untouchable in the war against drugs under the present administration,” Gierran said. With a report from Erwin Temperante, Eagle News Service
