Two foreigners fall in P278.8 M 'large-scale' shabu bust in QC
By Chito Chavez
Government anti-narcotics agents seized around P278.8 million worth of shabu after arrestingtwo Chinese suspects on Tuesday, April 21, during a buy-bust operation in Quezon City.
From the onset, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) team gathered vital information provided by the tipsters paving the way for the arrest of the suspects with aliases ‘Aye’’ and “Mok’’ at around 10:20 p.m. in Barangay Balingasa.
Aside from the estimated 41 kilograms of shabu, authorities also seized a Hong Kong passport, a Hong Kong International Driving permit, two mobile phones, a Toyota Fortuner and marked buy-bust money used in the suspects’ illegal drug transactions.
PDEA Director General Isagani R Nerez asserted that the successful coordinated PDEA-PNP operation is significant in disrupting the large-scale drug trafficking activities in the country.
“This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantle drug networks that threaten our communities. The seizure of nearly ₱300 million worth of shabu is a major blow to illegal drug syndicates operating in the country,” Nerez noted.
Nerez warned foreign nationals involved in the illegal drug trade that Philippine authorities will remain vigilant and uncompromising when it comes to their errant operation.
Likewise, Nerez assured that authorities will never allow the Philippines to be the transshipment hub for marketing prohibited drugs.
Regardless of nationality, Nerez vowed that foreigners engaged in this criminal activity will be pursued and held fully accountable under Philippine laws.
The suspects face charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.