P2.5 B shabu seized in Makati sting, Chinese national nabbed

MANILA, Philippines – An estimated P2.5 billion worth of shabu (crystal meth) was seized while a Chinese national was arrested following a buy-bust operation in Makati City Tuesday night.

A curious resident checks out the apartment unit in Barangay San Antonio, Makati City rented by a Chinese national where an estimated P2.5 billion worth of shabu was seized during a buy-bust operation.  The Chinese national was arrested. (Richard A. Reyes / PDI)

Philippine National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac identified the arrested Chinese national as Liu Chao, who is also a high-value target.

Elements of PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (DEG), led by Col. Romeo Caramat Jr., conducted the buy-bust operation in Liu’s rented apartment on Banuyo Street in Barangay San Antonio at 11:45 p.m.

Seized from the anti-drug operation was 371 kilograms of shabu.

Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, told dzMM in an interview that Liu has been staying at the rented apartment for two weeks.

Gamboa said they are investigating how the illegal drugs were transported to Makati City.

“We have not found out kung paano pinasok [sa apartment] yung iba nakalagay sa maleta [some of the drugs were placed inside a luggage]. We are trying to found out kung paano nakarating sa Makati [how it arrived in Makati],” he said.

Liu is now under the custody of PNP-DEG and will face appropriate charges.

Police will also conduct further investigation to pin down Liu’s cohorts.

GSG