Manila, Feb. 6 -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said criminal charges have been filed against five individuals on Thursday in connection with an attempt to bring in more than 404 kg. of shabu worth PHP2.7 billion from Karachi, Pakistan last month.

In a press briefing, NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspects as consignee Oscar Berba of Red Shinting Consumer Goods Trading based in Las Pinas; Karen Villaflor and Rey Gujilde, chairperson and president of freight forwarding company Ark Global Movers, respectively; and customs brokers Kevin Lee Arrio and Richard Aguantar.

"These suspects were arrested based on their role in scheming to facilitate the entry of the illegal drugs in the country using layers of paperwork ...