By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – At least 12,500.8 kg. of “hot meat” worth PHP2.3 million were confiscated in Marilao, Bulacan, resulting in the arrest of seven persons, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) said on Thursday.
In a statement, Central Luzon Police chief, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., said the operation was carried out after barangay peacekeepers on patrol discovered the illicit transfer of suspected double-dead meat from a wing van to a refrigerated truck in Barangay Sta. Rosa 1 in Marilao at about 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
He said the incident was immediately reported to the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and Marilao Police Station, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals.
“This successful operation shows the strong partnership of the PNP (Philippine National Police) with local government and regulatory agencies in safeguarding the welfare of our people. PRO-3 will remain vigilant against illegal practices that endanger public health and undermine consumer protection,” Peñones said.
The confiscated meat was turned over to the NMIS for proper disposition, while charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9296, or The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, are being prepared against the suspects before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Malolos, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, Peñones said operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Balanga City Police Station seized at least 1 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6.8 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bagong Silang, Balanga City at about 10:45 a.m. Thursday.
The operation led to the arrest of a high-value individual and the recovery of a bag containing several sachets of suspected shabu, genuine and counterfeit peso bills used as buy-bust money, and other drug paraphernalia.
“This operation, guided by actionable intelligence, shows that PRO-3 remains firm and uncompromising in its fight against illegal drugs. We will continue to pursue high-value targets and dismantle drug networks to protect our communities,” Peñones said.
The arrested suspect and the confiscated evidence were brought to the Balanga City Police Station for proper documentation and filing of charges for violation of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
