A suspected illegal drugs trader has been arrested in Manila where a drug den was discovered near Malacanang, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
The NBI identified the suspect as Edgard Ventura, who is also known as "Face."
In a statement, the NBI said that Ventura was arrested at a house along Nicanor Padilla Street in San Miguel, Manila last Oct. 16 during the service of a search warrant issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 37.
The arrest was done by the NBI’s Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD) with the assistance of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
“Found and seized during the operation were nine (9) heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be illegal drugs, and other drug paraphernalia,” said the bureau.
It also said there were 15 persons found in the premises who have been invited by the DDD to undergo drug tests.
The NBI said the operation was conducted after the DDD received information that “a certain Francisco Soriano Jr. a.k.a. 'Juntot' and alias ‘Face’ are engaged in selling dangerous drugs particularly methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, and maintaining a drug den inside the Malacañang Complex.”
“Edgar Ventura a.k.a. 'Face' will be presented for inquest proceedings for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). At-large Subject Francisco Soriano Jr. a.ka. 'Juntot' as well as other individuals who will be found positive for use of shabu will also be charged with the same violation of law,” it also said.