Around P1M worth of shabu seized by NPD in two anti-drug stings

Shabu haul. Image from NPD/NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — Around P1 million worth of suspected shabu was seized by the Northern Police District (NPD) in two separate anti-drug operations, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Friday.

The first incident was a buy-bust operation in Valenzuela City’s Barangay Mapulang Lupa, where two drug suspects identified as Danny Beltran and Paulo Rejuso were arrested.

Operatives from NPD’s Drug Enforcement Unit were able to seize two medium-sized plastic sachets with shabu, a large plastic also containing shabu, three paper-wrapped marijuana leaves, a digital weighing scale, and a belt bag.

The P1,000 bill which was used as the marked money for the transaction was also recovered.

The second buy-bust operation was conducted by NPD and NCRPO forces in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay 178 of Caloocan City’s North sector.

One suspect was arrested, from whom five medium sachets of shabu were seized.  NCRPO said that the estimated value of the illegal substance was at P306,000.

Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against the suspects, while the pieces of evidence have been turned over to the operating units.

NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao said that the Northern Police District (NPD) should be commended for the operation even during a lockdown period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite of the challenges brought by the current health crisis you continuously work hard to eliminate drug proliferation in your area of responsibility,” Danao said.

“Continue to exert your best effort to maintain peace and order in our community by strictly adhering to the minimum health public standards and continue to be on guard of your health and safety,” he added.

EDV