ABU DHABI // Suspected drugs lord Rolando "Kerwin" Espinosa Jr, who was arrested in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night, is now being detained in Al Wathba jail, a diplomat said on Wednesday.
The chief prosecutor is investigating the Filipino fugitive who is wanted for major drugs crimes in the Philippines, according to Constancio Vingno Jr, the Philippine ambassador to the UAE.
“We were not allowed to see him at noon today since the case is still being investigated,” he said. “However, we were told that after the completion of all the necessary paper work, he could be released in a month’s time. But that depends on whether or not he has committed any crime here.”
Espinosa was one of the first alleged drugs lords named by President Rodrigo Duterte when he came to power in June.
Espinosa was arrested on Sunday by Abu Dhabi Police, with the help of Interpol. There are four pending arrest warrants issued against him in Leyte, Philippines.
“I will be writing a letter requesting the chief prosecutor for us to see him, and for his repatriation to the Philippines,” Mr Vingno said.
The ambassador had earlier said that Espinosa's repatriation would largely depend on investigations by UAE authorities to see if he had broken any laws here.
The UAE does not have an extradition treaty with the Philippines.
rruiz@thenational.ae
