‘Broker’ denies role in smuggling of P6.8-billion shabu, but admits smuggling-linked consignee is her client

Self-described broker Meg Santos has denied being involved in the smuggling of P6.8 billion worth of shabu via magnetic lifters in the country, disputing claims by former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban.

Santos made the counter claim after Guban identified her as one of those who conspired to smuggle the billions worth of shabu by hiring SMYD Trading owned by Marina Signapan as the consignee alongside former police officer Eduardo Acierto.

At the resumption of the Senate blue ribbon panel’s probe on the smuggling of P6.8-billion shabu on Thursday, Guban said: “Para po sa damage control, kasama po si Meg Santos [sa pagtatakip kay Signapan.” 

Guban was earlier relieved from his post as Customs intelligence officer following his alleged involvement in the controversy involving the smuggling of billions worth of shabu.

Since then, he has been considered a government witness and is now under the state’s witness protection program.

“Wala pong katotohanan ang sinasabi ni Jimmy Guban. Hindi ko kilala si Colonel Acierto. Hindi ko po nakakausap si Guban. Hindi ko po sila nakakausap tungkol sa mga shipment na ’yan," Santos said.

This prompted panel chairperson Senator Richard Gordon to remind Santos of her previous testimony that she met Guban, Acierto, Signapan, among others, in a restaurant in Glorietta.

“You said to me before na natakot ka kay Guban [nung nag-meeting kayo] kasi marami siyang kasama,” Gordon said.

Santos admitted knowing Signapan but insisted they are not involved in drug smuggling.

“Kilala ko po siya (Signapan). Kasi po nagbi-business po kami. Kliyente po namin siya,” Santos said.

This prompted Gordon to respond, "See, may team kayo."

To which, Santos replied: “Nagtatrabaho po kami nang maayos." — RSJ, GMA News