By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) is trying to find out more information about PHP816 million worth of shabu seized at Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro last week.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led the operation on March 21.
A 43-year-old male suspect, who hails from Oton, Iloilo, was arrested during a random inspection and K-9 sweep, which revealed the drugs hidden in the compartment of his vehicle.
“We are coordinating with our counterparts in Mimaropa for possible conduct of interview and debriefing to determine if the drugs were intended for Panay and Negros Islands,” PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky said in a media interview on Monday.
Wanky stressed the importance of identifying the suspect’s accomplices, suppliers and financiers. Given the large quantity of shabu, he is considered a high-value target.
He said massive drug haul was alarming but motivated the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
“This confirms PDEA’s assessment that drug syndicates have significant supplies and are attempting to flood the market to recover,” he said.
Authorities also confiscated a sedan, mobile phone and transport documents from the suspect identified only as “Cris.” (PNA)
