Manila village execs find metal cylinders similarly used in P6.4-B drug shipment

NBI is inspecting a house in Sampaloc after officials of barangay 501 found three abandoned crates inside it. Photo by Aie Balagtas See

Three crates containing metal cylinders that were similar to those seized in Valenzuela in connection with the P6.4-billion shabu shipment from China were discovered inside a town house in Sampaloc, Manila on Thursday afternoon.

Chairman Nicanor Padios of Barangay 501 said a Taiwanese occupant abandoned the cylinders weeks ago.

Padios said he became very suspicious while watching the news on Wednesday, when photos of crates and cylinders seized by the Bureau of Customs were flashed on screen and very similar to those the barangay officials seen in the town house.

“These crates (we have seen in the town house) looked very similar to those seized in Valenzuela,” Padios said.
READ: Shabu shipments to Valenzuela warehouse began in June 2016, says caretaker

The National Bureau of Investigation has yet to open the crates. Agents are awaiting the search warrant that would give the green light to inspect the cylinders.

Sources said a K-9 unit trained to detect illegal drugs sat down after sniffing the crates, signs that the dogs sensed illegal drugs.

Padios said the owners of the town house on Maceda street were cleaning the unit when they discovered the crates hidden under the staircase.

“They tried to contact the former occupant but the owners did not get a response,” Padios told reporters.

Padios added that the owners wanted to get rid of the crates because someone would rent the unit. “But the crates were so heavy so they’re planning to use a fork lift,” Padios said. JPV