Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a South Korean fugitive wanted by authorities in Seoul for involvement in illegal drugs.
The foreign fugitive, identified as Choi Sol, was apprehended at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila.
Choi was at the BI’s head office when he was collared by operatives of the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) who were tipped about his presence inside the bureau’s premises.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Choi is an overstaying tourist and will be deported for being an illegally staying and undesirable alien.
It was learned that Choi is the subject of an Interpol red notice issued two years ago after he was indicted before a Korean court for violating his country’s narcotics control act.
A warrant for his arrest was reportedly issued by a district court in Cheongju City, South Korea in August 2022.
Choi conspired with other suspects in operating a Telegram chat room that was used to trade and advertise the sale of illegal drugs, including cocaine and hemp cartridges to the public.
It is believed that the suspects amassed a profit of more than 10 million won, or more than $7,000 from their drug trading activities.
Choi’s passport has been revoked by the Korean government which made him an undocumented alien who is subject to immediate deportation.
