Foreign National Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Largest Meth Seizure in Philippine History

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court has handed down a life sentence and imposed a P10 million fine on a foreign national, Kong Ket Koon, following his conviction in a landmark drug trafficking case. This verdict stems from the seizure of approximately 1.48 tons of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly referred to as "shabu," with an estimated street value exceeding P10 billion.

Koon was arrested on June 19, 2025, after a Philippine maritime interdiction operation along the coastal waters of Zambales. Authorities discovered him concealed in the engine bay of a vessel, where numerous sacks disguised as tea bags were found to contain the illegal substance.

The Department of Justice confirmed that Koon was successfully prosecuted under Section 11, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (R.A. No. 9165) for illegal possession of prohibited drugs.

During the trial, the defendant claimed ignorance of the drug contents within the sacks. However, the court dismissed this defense, ruling that his act of hiding alongside the contraband demonstrated clear awareness. The court also emphasized that under Philippine drug laws, possession is considered a mala prohibita offense, meaning criminal intent need not be proven if the prohibited act was knowingly committed.

This landmark conviction was finalized within six months of Koon’s arrest, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to swift justice in one of the country’s most significant drug cases.