Operatives from the Marikina City Police Station (CPS) and the Eastern Police District (EPD) seized P680,000 worth of illegal drugs from three high-value individuals (HVIs) in a buy-bust operation in Marikina City on Saturday, Dec. 3.
The Eastern Police District (EPD), headed by Acting District Director Col. Wilson Asueta, identified the suspects as Menardo Lanuza, 68; Warren Piloto, 26; and Ramonsito Cabasares, 41.
The police arrested the suspects at around 7:40 p.m. in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City.
As per the police investigation, the Marikina CPS and EPD coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in conducting surveillance operations to nab the suspects.
Police confiscated seven pieces of sealed plastic sachets and two pieces of knot-tied plastic bags, all containing suspected shabu.
The collected shabu weighed more or less 100 grams. It has an estimated market value of P680,000.
The suspects were brought to the Marikina CPS for documentation.
Afterwards they were taken to the Camp Crame Forensic Division for a drug test, before being transferred to the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center for a medical examination.
The suspects are currently detained at the Marikina City Custodial Facility.
The evidence was submitted to the EPD's laboratory examination.
The suspects are facing charges in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165 or the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002."
“EPD will continuously enhance its maximum police operations on the ground and ceaselessly intensify anti-illegal campaign against all drug suspects and ensure peace and order within Metro East," said Col. Asueta.