PHP900-M worth of shabu seized in Cagayan

MANILA  -Joint operatives of PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Customs Intelligence Group and provincial police in Ilocos and Cagayan seized about PHP900-million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or ‘shabu,’ in an anti-drug operation in Claveria town in Cagayan, PNP Chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa said on Monday.

Dela Rosa said no suspects were apprehended in the operation was carried out based on reliable information tipped by a citizen informant.

“Classic example is the support ng citizenry o taong bayan na nagreport na may alam na may tinatagong droga (and) napaka gandang resulta ang taong bayan ang tumulong sa atin,” Dela Rosa told reporters as they presented the drugs to media during the press conference held at Camp Crame.

He also ordered the immediate documentation and disposal of the seized contraband.

He said that around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, the operatives of PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG), led by PSSupt Albert Ignatius D. Ferro, conducted anti-illegal drugs operations in a resort allegedly owned by a certain Rene Dimaya located at Barangay Culao, Claveria, Cagayan.

He said that the raiding team was supported by the Special Action Force, Bureau of Customs-Intelligence Group, Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, Cagayan Police Provincial Office and PDEA Region 2 and the drugs were buried under the ground.

Dela Rosa said that the operation resulted in the recovery of 180 plastic packs of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu, placed in seven black bags with markings “Leah D” and one big blue ice box with an estimated value of PHP900 million.

“The confiscation of these contraband manifests the keen resolve of the PNP in pursuing the national government’s flagship program against drugs, crime and corruption. In the coming days, we expect more arrests and operations against syndicated crime groups engaged in drug trafficking,” said Dela Rosa.

Meanwhile, the land owner will be subject to investigation in order to determine whether he is involved in the drug trade, the PNP Chief said.