P3.4M shabu seized from 4 suspects in Quiapo, Manila

MANILA, Philippines — At least 500 grams of a crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, estimated to be worth around P3.4 million, were seized from four individuals in Quiapo, Manila on Wednesday.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) identified the suspects as Akmad Sumira Utawan, Jimmy Sangcala Imperial, Aminah Adam Macabato, and Noraima Ibta Cabugatan.

Reports said they were caught in a buy-bust operation by combined teams from PDEA’s Region IV, Region III, National Capital Region offices and Manila Police District’s Station 3.

According to PDEA, the four were caught in front of a local money transfer outlet near Globo de Oro Street and Quezon Boulevard, after they tried to sell the illegal substance to an undercover agent.

The suspects are now under PDEA’s custody and will face criminal complaints about supposedly violating Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  (With reports from Jim Mendoza, trainee)