Police seize vanload of drugs in Subic; 5 arrested

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine police say antinarcotics agents have seized about 400 kilograms (882 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride and arrested five members of a syndicate in the largest haul of the illegal drug in the country so far this year.

Police Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias says five men were arrested Sunday while loading the meth, concealed in two carton boxes and 22 bags, into a van in a residential enclave in Subic, Zambales.

If all the suspected drugs, known locally as shabu, turn out to be real, it will have a Manila street value of about P2 billion ($46 million), according to police.

Illegal drug production in the Philippines carries a maximum prison term of 40 years.