ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Wednesday seized approximately 101 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P686.8 million in a buy-bust operation in this city.
P686-M shabu seized in Angeles City
Published May 14, 2025 10:36 pm
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said two high-value suspects – a Chinese national and a Filipina – were arrested during the operation.
Nerez identified the Chinese suspect as "Wang," 31, a resident of Clark, Pampanga, and the Filipino as "Shania," 24, from Tarlac City.
The suspects were apprehended on Friendship Highway in Barangay Santo Domingo.
"This major bust demonstrates our continued resolve to dismantle high-level drug syndicates and seize bulk volumes of narcotics before they hit the streets," Nerez said.
He described the arrested suspects as "key players in large-scale drug trafficking operations in the country."
The operation was spearheaded by the PDEA Intelligence Service and supported by various enforcement units, including the military and police.
Seized during the operation were 96 tea bags and five plastic sachets containing shabu, along with a Toyota Sienna, a mobile phone, and identification cards.
Nerez said the suspects will face criminal charges under Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
He said the operation was part of the government's intensified crackdown on organized drug networks in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive.
During his third State-of-the-Nation Address last July, Marcos pledged to continue the bloodless anti-narcotics drive, emphasizing that extermination is not a part of his administration's campaign.
Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. commended the PDEA Region-3 headed by Director Jigger Montallana and the Angeles City Police Office led by Police Col. Joselito Villarosa for the successful operation.
Villarosa presented the suspects and the confiscated illegal drugs to Lazatin when he visited Barangay Santo Domingo.
“This is a clear message: Illegal drugs have no place in our city,” Mayor Lazatin said. “We will not stop until every barangay is safe, drug-free, and protected.” (with PNA)