Authorities arrested a suspected member of a big-time drug syndicate operating in the southern part of Metro Manila and seized more than P300,000 worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation Sunday afternoon in Pasay City.
Southern Police District acting director Col. Emmanuel Peralta said the arrest of Michael dela Cruz, alias Maymay, 34, is part of the continuing crackdown on drug dealing in Metro Manila.
Dela Cruz, a resident of 1921 M. Reyes Street, Barangay Bangkal, Makati City, is now detained and was charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act before the Pasay City prosecutors office.
Anti-narcotics operatives from the Pasay City police station conducted the buy-bust operation at the corner of Roxas Boulevard service road and Cuneta Avenue in Baranbay 76 around 5:50 p.m.
Police seized from the suspect a total of 48.9 grams of shabu worth P332,520, a Yamaha motorcycle, and a 1,000 peso bill used in the buy-bust operation.
The confiscated drugs were turned-over to the SPD Crime Laboratory for chemical analysis.
Police said the suspect is an active member of a criminal gang engaged in the illegal drug trade listed in the SPD narcotics watch list.
The latest police operation was made in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-National Capital Region and barangay officials in the area. Peralta commended the Pasay City police for the latest achievement. When he assumed post as SPD director, Peralta assured Metro Manila police chief Debold Sinas that he will continue the police intensified intelligence-driven anti-illegal drugs operations, particularly on middle level high valued targets.
