British Marijuana Trafficker Nabbed in Subic

'Gypsy Nirvana', international seed dealer, arrested in Philippines on American warrant

SOURCE: The Manila Times (www.manilatimes.net)
AUTHOR: Anthony Vargas
PUB. DATE: August 31, 2013

Immigration (BI) agents arrested a Briton wanted by federal authorities in the US for manufacturing, importing and exporting marijuana.

Immigration Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison said Gypsy Nirvana, 53, was arrested last August 27 at the Subic freeport in Olongapo and was taken to the Immigration detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Mison said he issued the mission order for Nirvana's arrest after the US embassy informed him that Nirvana was wanted by a US district court in Maine where he was indicted on multiple counts of narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

Mison described the Briton as a high profile fugitive, adding that a team of US marshals was expected to fetch him in Manila after the Immigration Board of Commissioners orders his deportation.

Mison said there will be no let-up in the BI's campaign to go after foreign fugitives hiding in the country. He said that for several years Nirvana profited hugely from his UK-based marijuana seed auction business, which catered mostly to American customers who transacted with him either via the Internet or by mail and money wire transfers.

The racket was reportedly uncovered only after several informants, who were Nirvana's former associates, tipped the US authorities.

It was learned that on July 11, 2011 customs agents at the Boston Logan International Airport in Maine intercepted a UK-bound shipment of marijuana seeds allegedly purchased by Nirvana.

Following the seizure US narcotics agents raided several marijuana plantations in Maine and arrested suspects who exposed and detailed the extent of the Briton's marijuana business.

Nirvana was indicted for "conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana; conspiracy to import marijuana; and conspiracy; and conspiracy to export marijuana from the US to England."