Manila: Government anti-drug operatives have arrested five suspects and confiscated PHP14 million worth of illegal drugs in separate operations in Manila, Caloocan City, and Pampanga province.
According to Philippines News Agency, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin stated that the Northern Police District-District Drug Enforcement Unit (NPD-DDEU), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested three high-value individuals (HVIs) in a buy-bust operation at 12:10 a.m. Thursday at San Lorenzo Ruiz, Barangay 185 in Caloocan City.
The operatives seized 1,170 grams of shabu worth PHP7.96 million from the suspects identified as alias 'Tomboy', alias 'Meng,' and alias 'Halem'. They will be charged for violating Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before the Caloocan City Prosecutor's Office. Aberin commended the successful operation as a testament to the government's intensified war against illegal drugs.
In Manila, the PDEA also confiscated 500 grams of shabu worth PHP3.4 million from arrested 35-year-old suspect, alias Salik, in a buy-bust operation inside a fast-food restaurant at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The suspect is now detained at the PDEA Region 4-A (Calabarzon) custodial facility in Santa Rosa City, Laguna while charges are being prepared against him.
In Pampanga, Police Regional Office-3 (Central Luzon) Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said another HVI identified as alias Ben was also arrested around 11:45 p.m. on Feb. 4 while attempting to sell illegal drugs in Barangay San Jose, Magalang town. Fajardo lauded the anti-drug operatives' relentless efforts, resulting in the confiscation of 410 grams of shabu worth PHP2.8 million from the suspect. She said the operation is proof that the full force of the law will come down on anyone who dares to destroy lives and communities with illegal drugs.
'We are not stopping. We will remain relentless in our efforts to dismantle drug networks and hold perpetrators accountable. To those still involved in the drug trade - your days are numbered," Fajardo said. The PRO3 reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to eradicating illegal drugs, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring a safer Central Luzon.
