QC cops arrest 4 drug suspects; P800K worth of ‘shabu’ seized in buy-bust ops
MANILA, Philippines — Anti-narcotics operatives arrested four suspected drug pushers in separate buy-busts operations in Quezon City on Wednesday and seized a total of P816,000 worth of “shabu” or crystal meth.
According to a police report, the first buy-bust operation was conducted in Barangay Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City at around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday after an informant reported to authorities that illegal drugs were being sold nearby.
Responding officers then arrested the suspect, who was identified as Leonardo Madarang, 45 years old, according to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director PBGen. Antonio Yarra.
Madarang is listed as a “Regional Drug Priority” in the QCPD, police said.
Authorities seized 29 sachets of shabu weighing around 100 grams valued at Php680,000. Aside from this, cops also seized buy-bust money, a dark blue pouch, a gray Fila sling bag, and a digital weighing scale.
Article continues after this advertisementOn further investigation, police revealed that Madarang already has a previous case for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” but availed himself of the plea bargaining.
Article continues after this advertisementMeanwhile, three more drug suspects, including two Regional drug priority targets, were arrested at about 8:15 p.m. on the same night along Commonwealth Ave, Barangay Fairview, Quezon City.
The two Regional Drug Priority targets were identified as Arthur Pangilinan, 53 years old; Mateo Rublico, 46 years old; while the other was their cohort, Mark Anthony Magtibay, 38 years old.
All three suspects were also residents of Quezon City.
Cops seized eight sachets of shabu weighing 20 grams and were valued at P136,000. Police also confiscated buy-bust money and a cellular phone used in the drug transaction.
“The suspects will be charged for violation of Section 5 and Section 11, Article II of the R.A. 9165 while the confiscated evidence will be submitted to the QCPD Crime Laboratory Office for chemical analysis and documentation,” the police report said.
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