Australian drug suspect nabbed in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — An Australian tagged in international drug trafficking has been arrested by immigration authorities in Cebu City.

Gregor Joann Haas, 46, was collared on May 15 by agents of the Bureau of Immigration’s fugitive search unit, according to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

Haas is allegedly a member of the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico.

A red notice has reportedly been issued by the Interpol against Haas in connection with a criminal case filed against him in Indonesia.

Tansingco described Haas’ arrest as a major breakthrough in the bureau’s continuing drive against foreign fugitives hiding in the country.

He described the suspect as a high-profile fugitive for being an alleged member of the Sinaloa cartel, which is engaged in international drug trafficking and money laundering.

Haas is detained at the BI jail facility at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig while deportation proceedings against him are ongoing.

In January, the national narcotics board of Indonesia filed a drug smuggling case against Haas.

Indonesian authorities accused Haas of attempting to smuggle five kilos of illegal drugs into their country in December 2023.