DOJ holds clarificatory meeting on ‘irregularities’ in 2022 P6.7B drug bust
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday held a clarificatory meeting on the National Police Commission’s (Napolcom) additional complaint on the alleged irregularities in the seizure of 990 kilograms of “shabu” during an anti-illegal drugs operation in October 2022.
READ: PNP seizes P6.7 billion worth of shabu; Abalos says it’s ‘biggest drug haul to date’
According to the DOJ in a statement, the clarificatory meeting discussed matters relating to the submitted evidentiary documents as part of the case build-up process.
The DOJ said once the case build-up process is complete, a preliminary investigation will immediately follow.
“Once the case build-up is completed, the preliminary investigation will commence immediately to determine whether a probable cause exists to warrant the filing of charges against those involved in the alleged anomalies,” the DOJ said.
“The DOJ remains steadfast in its fight against illegal drugs, and ensures that all those involved in the alleged irregularities will be accountable for their actions,” it added.
The additional complaint stemmed from the fact-finding inquiry report on the drug bust case involving dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo submitted by Napolcom from its investigation of the alleged anomalies and irregularities during the said operation.
In October 2022, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group seized 990 kilograms of shabu in Manila and Pasig.
The said operation was tagged as the “biggest drug haul” in Philippine history, with the 990 kg of seized shabu amounting to P6.7 billion.
Controversy hounded the said operation after Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. alleged that high-ranking police officials attempted to cover up the arrest of Mayo, the main suspect behind the seized drugs.
READ: DILG chief unveils ‘massive attempt to cover up’ dismissed cop Mayo’s arrest
Lawmakers also questioned how a single anti-drug operative led to such a humongous amount of illegal drugs.
