Authorities arrested five individuals, including a 73-year-old man, and confiscated P2,720,000 worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Angono, Rizal.
The Rizal Police Provincial Office (Rizal PPO) identified the suspects as “Jun,” 73; “Onyok,” 27; “Buboy,” 48; “Robin,” 32; and “Gala,” 45, who was tagged as a high-value individual (HVI). They were arrested by the Angono Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay San Isidro on Sunday, on Jan. 19.
Authorities said the operation was conducted after an informant alerted the Angono MPS about an illegal drug transaction in the area.
Thirteen sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 400 grams were recovered from the suspects.
Based on the investigation, suspects Jun, Gala, and Robin had previously been charged with drug-related offenses.
Rizal PPO chief Col. Felipe Marragun said the suspects' illegal drug source is an undisclosed individual from Angono, and the police are now conducting a follow-up operation to apprehend him.
The arrested suspects have been placed under the custody of the Angono MPS and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.