The seized suspected shabu and the buy-bust money.(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency)
MANILA, Philippines — Around 500 grams of suspected crystal meth or shabu were seized Wednesday from three suspects in Muntinlupa City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Thursday.
According to PDEA, the operation was launched by their Aurora Provincial Office and their Southern District Office, in cooperation with the Southern Police District’s Drug Enforcement Unit and Muntinlupa City Police Station, at a mall in the city on Wednesday afternoon.
PDEA identified the arrested suspects as Vilma Maritana, 51; Richard Flaminian, 59; and Bricks Marhana, 18, all of Cupang, Muntinlupa.
A fourth suspect, a certain Frederick Moldez from Alabang in Muntinlupa, managed to escape arrest.
PDEA said the suspected shabu was placed in a transparent plastic bag. According to the Dangerous Drugs Board, the street value of 500 grams of shabu is around P3.4 million.
All three suspects are expected to face charges for violation of Sections 5 (Sale of Illegal Drugs) and Section 26 (Attempt or Conspiracy) of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.