Marikina: Anti-drug operatives have arrested seven individuals, including four high-value individuals (HVI), and seized more than PHP8 million worth of illegal drugs in separate operations in the cities of Marikina, Pasay, and Cebu, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates stated that HVIs Jolly, 27; Mark, 27; and Ashley, 21, were apprehended during a buy-bust operation along Champaca Street in Marikina Heights, Marikina City at approximately 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday. The operatives seized 3,239 grams of suspected marijuana kush and 30 grams of marijuana dried leaves, with an estimated value of PHP4.86 million, along with other non-drug evidence. The suspects were taken to the PDEG Special Operations Unit-National Capital Region office at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City for documentation and proper disposition. The confiscated drug evidence is set to be turned over to the forensic group for laboratory examination.
Meanwhile, PDEG operatives carried out another buy-bust operation in Sitio Laray, Barangay Guadalupe, Carcar City, Cebu, on Monday around 8:23 p.m., resulting in the arrest of alias Jojie, 42, also classified as an HVI. The units seized 300 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated drug price of PHP2.04 million, along with other non-drug evidence. The arrested suspect was brought to Carcar City Police Station for proper documentation and disposition, while the confiscated drug evidence will be turned over to the Regional Field Unit 7 in Poblacion, Carcar City, Cebu for forensic examination. The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Quilates advised anti-drug operatives to continue upholding the highest standards of service, integrity, and excellence. "Your accomplishment inspires the entire police force and reinforces our resolve in the campaign against illegal drugs," he said.
Additionally, on Monday evening, operatives of the Southern Police District (SPD) conducted a buy-bust operation in Pasay City, which led to the confiscation of suspected shabu valued at PHP1.36 million, and the arrest of three individuals along Petunia Street in Rivera Village. The police identified the arrested individuals as 'Tol,' 25; 'Gertrics,' 32; and 'Samad,' 38. "Seized during the operation were approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu: 50 grams from alias Tol, 100 grams from alias Gertrics, and 50 grams from alias Samad," the SPD said in a separate statement. The suspects were taken to the SPD District Drug Enforcement Unit's custody, awaiting charges for alleged violations of RA 9165.
