P17M ecstasy pills seized in Pampanga; 5 suspects nabbed
Authorities interrogate one of the five suspects arrested after some 10,000 ecstasy pills worth an estimated P17 million were recovered from an anti-illegal drugs operation in Lubao, Pampanga Saturday night. (Contributed photo)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Authorities seized at least 10,000 “ecstasy” party drug tablets worth an estimated P17 million and arrested five suspected dealers at a gas station in Lubao, Pampanga Saturday night.
The contraband and the suspects were cornered in what was called “controlled delivery operation,” in which two parcels were tracked down, according to Christian Frivaldo, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Central Luzon regional dirtector.
The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark and PDEA traced the two parcels, which arrived on Aug. 7 and 8, to Joshua Bautista and Charmaine Valencia Bacani, PDEA said in a statement on Sunday.
The Philippine National Police – Regional Drug Enforcement Unit apprehended Bautista, 20; William Valencia, 41; Raphy Quiboloy, 30; Patrick Bagang, 35 and Bacani, 36, whose real name is Katrina Legaspi.
They are residents of Barangay Maquiapo in Guagua and Barangay San Roque 1st in Lubao.
Frivaldo said the suspects will be charged with violation of Section 4 or the importation of dangerous drugs of Republic Act 9165.
