NBI agents raid den for illegal drugs, firearms in Sampaloc

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) antidrugs division raided on Tuesday night a building owned by a former city councilor in Sampaloc, Manila, which was allegedly being used for drugs and other illegal activities.

Seized during the operation were a still undetermined amount of “shabu” and high-powered firearms, according to Ross Galicia, head of the NBI-Reaction Arrest and Interdiction Division (RAID).

Galicia said the raid on D and G Building on Prudencio Street in the Sampaloc area was carried out based on the request of Mayor Joseph Estrada.

He added that the building was being used as a den by “the biggest distributor of illegal drugs and operator of [illegal gambling activities] in the area.”

Galicia said that they were looking for Guia Castro, a former city councilor who was listed as the building owner.

“We want her to shed light on the illegal activities in the building,” he added.

Also seized during the raid were permit to carry firearms documents issued to policemen believed to be providing protection to Castro, in addition to a two-feet-tall marijuana plant found on the ground floor.

Galicia said the raid was based on two search warrants issued against Jeffrey Concepcion and Gloria Pementera for violation of the antidrugs law.

The pair, he added, was able to elude the agents who managed to arrest three other people.

The suspects, whom Galicia did not identify, are now detained at the NBI headquarters and will be charged with the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

He added that the building, dubbed by residents in the area as “bureau,” was also reportedly being used as a safe house by suspected criminals.

The building, according to Galicia, had been targeted for raids several times in the past although these never pushed through because someone always tipped off the owner about the upcoming operations.

“We were able to enter the building premises on Tuesday because [the operation] was conducted immediately after proper coordination with local police,” he added.