PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa confirmed the arrest of an alleged drug lord early Monday.
Kerwin Espinosa, who was among the personalities linked by President Rodrigo Duterte to the multi-billion peso illegal drug trade in the country was arrested at 2 a.m. (Manila time) in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Espinosa is now under the custody of authorities in Abu Dhabi, and they are processing his return to Manila to face charges of drug trafficking.
A three-man team led by PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group head Senior Superintendent Albert Ferro has been sent to coordinate Espinosa's return.
"Nasa custody na siya ngayon ng Abu Dhabi police and ready to be shipped by Colonel Ferro to Manila," Dela Rosa told reporters.
"I don't know kung matapos na yung documentary requirements today baka bukas pwede silang bumyahe. If not, depende sa first available flight right after the suspect is cleared to travel to the Philippines," Dela Rosa added.
Police arrested the older Espinosa over charges of illegal possession of dangerous drugs and firearms on October 5. Both father and son were tagged by President Duterte in his list of alleged illegal drug coddlers and traffickers.
Police Chief Dela Rosa said he received the information of Espinosa's whereabouts from overseas Filipino workers in Abu Dhabi.
Espinosa had arrived in the Middle Eastern capital en route from Malaysia, Dela Rosa said, adding, that while in Abu Dhabi, Espinosa sought the help of a travel agency to extend his stay.
The tip from overseas Filipino workers who got wind of Espinosa's presence, prompted the international police organization (Interpol) to send a "red notice" to their counterparts. A red notice indicates seeking "the location and arrest of wanted persons with a view to extradition or similar lawful action."
Developing news update..