BuCor tip leads NBI to P60-M drugs haul in Manila

NBI Director Dante Gierran (second from right) presented to the public the seized drugs in Ermita Friday. With him was NBI Spokesman Ferdinand Lavin (right) and the members of the NBI Forensic Chemistry Division. TETCH TORRES-TUPAS/INQUIRER.net

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) seized more than 10 kilos of dangerous drugs in Manila Friday with a street value of about P60 million.

NBI Director Dante A. Gierran on Monday said he ordered the investigation following a request for assistance from Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

BuCor sought assistance from the NBI to arrest a group that is allegedly involved in large scale selling of drugs in Metro Manila.

The NBI’ Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (NBI-TFAID) along with the BuCor conducted a counter-action. Authorities found the illegal drugs inside an abandoned vehicle parked along the sidewalk in Ermita, Manila.

An NBI forensic study showed the substance having “positive indication for the presence of Dimethoxy Methylphenethylanime,” an ingredient in psychedelic or hallucinogenic drugs.

Justice Undersecretary Antonio T. Kho Jr. said they were investigating if the seized illegal drugs came from inside the national penitentiary. CBB