Gov’t destroys P6.7 billion ‘shabu’ seized from ex-police intel officer

Crystal methamphetamine, known in the Philippines as “shabu,” contained in plastic sachets. | (INQUIRER.net stock photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Government authorities have destroyed P6.7 billion worth of crystal meth, locally known as “shabu,” which anti-drug operatives confiscated from a former police intelligence officer in October last year.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed the illegal substance in Trece Martires City, Cavite province last March 16, police said.

According to the PNP, the 990-kilogram shabu was seized from dismissed Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo and Ney Saligumba Atadero during a drug sting from October 8-9, 2022, in Tondo, Manila.

Mayo, an intelligence officer assigned to the PNP-Drug Enforcement Group’s (PNP-DEG) Special Operations Unit in the National Capital Region, was a decorated policeman. He had no derogatory record before his arrest.

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Based on PNP records, Mayo’s dismissal order was signed on March 6 and took effect on March 21. He was discharged from service due to three counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

The PNP said that Mayo’s dismissal shows “it will not let its image be tainted by those who have no respect for the organization, making their selfish interest prevail over their loyalty and dedication to service.”

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