2 arrested, P1M worth of suspected shabu seized by police at Caticlan airport

KALIBO, Aklan, Philippines — Police intercepted on Tuesday cargo boxes containing suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) estimated to be worth P1 million at the airport of Caticlan, the jump- off point to Boracay Island.

Two persons who claimed the cargo were arrested by elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which conducted the operation along with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG).

Insp. Rommel Ybanez of the PNP-ASG identified those arrested as Jonagin Liba and Alexander Nebres who said they were from Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

PDEA Western Visayas Director Yogi Ruiz said one of the suspects was residing on Boracay Island, which could be one of the intended market of the drugs.

Ruiz said the suspected illegal drugs, weighing more than 70 grams, were placed inside four stereo speakers that were placed inside two cargo boxes that arrived in Caticlan around 8 a.m. Tuesday.

The PDEA agents waited for the cargo to be claimed before arresting the consignees in front of the airport.

Ruiz said the PDEA regional office in Manila had received information about the transport of the suspected illegal drugs which prompted the operation.

Ruiz said the suspects were believed to be part of a syndicate operation in the region.

The PDEA has identified the shipper of the boxes and the two arrested suspects have been transferred to the PDEA regional office in Iloilo for further investigation.