MANILA, Philippines — Two Indian nationals and a Filipina were arrested last week during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Paco, Manila, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported on Monday.
NBI Director Dante Gierran identified the arrested Indian national suspects as Kumar Sunil Motumal and Chutani Rakhi Darbala and the Filipina as Mary Chris Mabini.
They were arrested last Jan. 31.
The NBI said it has acted on reports that a certain store in Paco – Anmol Indian General Merchandise — was selling illegal drugs disguised as herbal medicine through the use of cellphones.
NBI operatives conducted an entrapment operation last Jan. 31after obtaining two sealed boxes labeled as “Kamini Vidrawan Ras.
Laboratory tests showed that the items were positive for the presence of opium and morphine.
Investigators later seized seven more sealed gold boxes of “Kamini Vidrawan Ras” which was also labeled as “For Sale In India Only.”
During the operation, the suspects failed to present any license or certification from the Food and Drug Authority.
The suspects were charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009./ gsg