Taytay: Anti-narcotics operatives seized six kilograms of suspected shabu worth an estimated PHP40.8 million and arrested three people in a buy-bust operation in Taytay, Rizal on Monday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez identified the arrested suspects as alias 'Diogen,' 32; alias 'Muhammad,' 31; and alias 'Eddienel,' 43. The three were arrested around 5:30 a.m. at Sitio Dulong Bangiad, Barangay San Juan, Taytay, during an entrapment operation.
According to Philippines News Agency, a fourth suspect, alias 'Abdila,' escaped and remains at large. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate him. Operatives also seized firearms, ammunition, and other evidence, including an M1 carbine rifle, an M16 rifle, four .45-caliber pistols, two empty .30-caliber magazines, an empty .45-caliber magazine, a digital weighing scale, a smartphone, and the buy-bust money.
"The three arrests are important, but this is not where our investigation ends. Our objective is to identify the people behind these transactions who keep the illegal drug trade moving. We will follow the evidence and pursue their network wherever it leads," Nerez said in a statement. The suspects will face charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) in relation to Section 26 (Conspiracy to Sell), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. They will also face charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
