Suspected Canadian drug lord wanted by Interpol busted in Philippines

Canadian fugitive and suspected drug kingpin Thomas Gordon O’Quinn has been arrested in the Philippines, local media report.

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Cops say Interpol was hunting the 38-year-old for a slew of drug charges against him in the U.S.

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O’Quinn reportedly was arrested at a spa in Tagaytay City on May 16 with 45 grams of methamphetamine (or “shabu” as the locals call it), 82 grams of cocaine and 14 ID cards that all had different names but with his photograph.

According to cops, he is also the subject of an Interpol red notice after a U.S. district court in western Washington released a warrant for his arrest.

He has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the illegal substance called methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and 5 kilos or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.

An additional charge of conspiracy to export from the U.S. 5 kilos of cocaine was also filed against him.

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Cops allege O’Quinn committed the offences between August 2014 and June 2015 during which time he and some cohorts imported and exported illegal drugs from Canada into the U.S. and vice-versa.

He faces life in prison in the U.S. if convicted.

Local authorities had pegged O’Quinn as a major player in a massive 1.4-ton dope bust last month.

“He has to stand trial and face his crimes locally, before we deport him so he can again stand trial for the crimes he committed abroad,” a police spokesman said.

“This is a major accomplishment of all agencies involved. It serves as a warning to syndicates that might be attempting to initiate illegal operations here in the Philippines. Your crimes will not go unpunished.”

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Hamilton woman has been charged in Bermuda with trying to import $1.7 million in cannabis into the island nation.

Mara Faiazza was also charged with conspiracy with others to import a controlled drug (cannabis) and possession of a controlled drug (cannabis) with intent to supply. Authorities say she was not required to enter a plea to the indictable offences.

She is reportedly out on $100,000 bail with a slew of conditions. Faiazza will next appear at the Supreme Court on July 1.

bhunter@postmedia.com

@HunterTOSun

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