By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Authorities arrested two Chinese nationals and seized an estimated PHP278.8 million worth of suspected shabu in a late-night buy-bust operation in Quezon City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported Wednesday.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said the suspects — one alias Aye, 33, and one alias Mok, 32 — were previously employed as truck and ride-hailing drivers in Hong Kong and are now residents of General Trias, Cavite.
The suspects were apprehended around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday along Andrade Street in Barangay Balingasa. Authorities recovered approximately 41 kilograms of suspected shabu, which were concealed in a paper bag and several carton boxes.
Also seized during the operation were a Toyota Fortuner, a Hong Kong passport, a Hong Kong International Driving Permit, two mobile phones, and the marked money used in the operation.
“This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantle drug networks that threaten our communities. The seizure of nearly PHP300 million worth of shabu is a major blow to illegal drug syndicates operating in the country,” Nerez said in a statement.
He also issued a warning to foreign nationals involved in the illegal drug trade.
“We will not allow the Philippines to be used as a transshipment hub or market for illegal drugs. Regardless of nationality, those who engage in this criminal activity will be pursued and held fully accountable under our laws,” Nerez said.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
