A Chinese fugitive accused of leading a kidnapping ring and operating a clandestine drug laboratory has been deported to China, the Chinese Embassy in Manila confirmed.

Reports said that the suspect — identified as Shi Chunfang — was arrested 14 December in a residential area in Taytay, Rizal, following a coordinated operation between Chinese and Filipino law enforcement.

Shi, who had been a fugitive for more than two years, was wanted by the Public Security Bureau of Jinjiang City for the kidnapping and murder of Chinese nationals.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioner Joel Viado described Shi as a “kingpin” in the illicit drug trade who allegedly operated a methamphetamine laboratory while posing as an ordinary citizen.

“This operation underscores the Chinese government’s firm resolve to combat organized crime and deliver justice for victims,” the Chinese Embassy said in a statement.

The deportation followed a brief delay. While Shi was originally scheduled for repatriation on 16 December, Viado initially sought to cancel the order to ensure the suspect faced local criminal charges for drug production in the Philippines.