By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Five suspected drug dealers were arrested and more than P1.79 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in separate buy-bust operations in Taguig and Valenzuela cities, police said Wednesday.
The operations resulted in the recovery of a combined 263.6 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
In Taguig, police arrested four suspects following a controlled drug transaction involving a 37-year-old man identified by authorities as a newly identified high-value individual.
Police said the operation also led to the arrest of three alleged accomplices—a 35-year-old and a 20-year-old, both identified as newly identified high-value individuals, and another 28-year-old high-value individual.
Authorities recovered six heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, along with a mobile phone and other personal belongings.
The operation also yielded a Glock 14 Gen 5 pistol, one magazine and seven rounds of live ammunition from the 37-year-old suspect.
Because of the firearm seizure, the suspect is also facing a separate charge under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The four Taguig suspects are expected to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
A second operation was conducted in Barangay Punturin, Valenzuela City, at about 4:49 a.m., where police arrested a 45-year-old high-value individual.
Police seized two plastic sachets allegedly containing 63.6 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P432,480.
The Valenzuela suspect faces charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 and will be brought before the City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
The seized drugs and other evidence from both operations will undergo forensic examination, police said.
NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the successive operations reflected the regional police office’s continuing focus on dismantling illegal drug activities, particularly those involving high-value individuals.
“We will continue to focus our operations on high-value individuals and areas being used for illegal drug activities,” Abrahano said.
He added that the recovery of a firearm during one of the operations highlighted the need for sustained intelligence-driven police action to prevent more serious crimes.
The arrests and drug seizures came from two separate operations conducted in Taguig and Valenzuela as authorities continued their campaign against illegal drug trafficking in Metro Manila.
ia/xf
