Malaysian National Sentenced to Life for Possession of 1.48 Tons of Methamphetamine in the Philippines

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has found Malaysian national Kong Ket Koon guilty beyond reasonable doubt for illegal possession of 1.48 tons of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, November 21.

Koon was convicted under Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of ₱10 million.

The conviction was handed down on November 19, less than six months after Koon’s arrest, highlighting the effectiveness of prosecutorial efforts. "Barely half a year from the time the accused was apprehended, the team of prosecutors were able to secure the conviction of accused Koon," the DOJ stated.

The DOJ praised the prosecutorial team led by Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Grace V. Pulido-Sadian, along with Prosecution Attorneys Klarissa U. Arcillas and Ryan E. Leocario for their role in securing the verdict.

Koon was arrested on June 19 during a maritime interdiction operation off the coast of Zambales. The operation was conducted jointly by the Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Authorities discovered the methamphetamine concealed in 50 sacks aboard a Philippine-registered fishing vessel carrying five individuals, including Koon. The PDEA has valued the seized shabu at approximately ₱10.2 billion.