Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) – Eight individuals were arrested on Wednesday night in a buy-bust drug operation by the Northern Police District in Deparo, Caloocan City.
The estimated weight of the confiscated shabu from the eight suspects is more or less 2.8 kilos, amounting to over ₱19 million.
The suspects were identified as Arthur Salguero, Rose Cruz, Herchill Resco, Jhon Dale Estorninos, William Tante Jr., Joshua De Andres, Albert Delema, and Ricky Nelson Cruz.
The NPD officers seized 18 pieces of large transparent bag, 10 pieces of medium sealed transparent plastic sachet, one large tea bag, and one open cut plastic transparent sachet. All materials contained suspected shabu.
They also confiscated other paraphernalia like aluminum foil, disposable lighters, three cellphones, one sedan car, and five pieces of ₱1,000 bills.
The operation stemmed from a tip from drug pusher Gary Villanueva, who was also caught in a similar sting last May 11.
The eight suspects will be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The Philippine National Police tallied only 3,166 crimes nationwide during the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the reduction of crime incidents, the Department of Interior and Local Government still ordered the PNP to remain vigilant in enforcing the law with many areas transitioning to general community quarantine and its modified counterpart.
