ALITAGTAG, Batangas — A Canadian man connected to one of the biggest illegal drug cases in the Philippines has been sentenced to life in prison.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced that Thomas Gordon O’Quinn, also known as James Toby Martin, was found guilty by a Tagaytay City court for illegally possessing dangerous drugs.
In a ruling dated May 29, the Regional Trial Court Branch 135 in Tagaytay City convicted O’Quinn on two counts of illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
The court ordered him to serve a life sentence and pay a P500,000 fine for possessing 45 grams of shabu. He also received another life sentence and a P10-million fine for possessing 81.65 grams of cocaine.
O’Quinn was arrested on May 16, 2024, at a wellness resort in Tagaytay City. His arrest came after authorities investigated the seizure of 1.4 tons of shabu worth P9.68 billion in Alitagtag, Batangas, a month earlier. The drug haul is considered one of the largest ever recorded in the country.
Police investigators identified O’Quinn as a major suspect in the operation. Authorities said he was arrested during a joint law enforcement operation while being monitored through an Interpol Red Notice and a Bureau of Immigration Mission Order linked to alleged international drug trafficking activities.
PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the conviction shows how important careful investigations and strong evidence are in winning cases against major drug suspects.
“This case sends a clear message that people involved in illegal drugs will face the consequences of their actions,” Torre said.
He added that Philippine authorities will continue working with local and international partners to fight illegal drugs and bring offenders to justice.
The PNP said the conviction highlights the teamwork of investigators, prosecutors, and partner agencies in handling major drug cases and protecting communities from illegal drug activities.
