Police have arrested three suspects, one of them tagged as a high-value target, and seized P9.8 million worth of shabu in separate buy-bust operations in Paranaque City and Iloilo.
A composite anti-narcotics team from the Philippine National Police—Special Operation Group, the Southern Police District, and Paranaque and Pasay police stations arrested Fahima Matula, alias Tita, 34, and Jhonix Casanova, 23, in an entrapment at 349 Quirino Avenue corner 4 De Julio Street in Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City around 9 p.m. Friday.
The lawmen, according to SPD chief Brig. Gen. Kirby Kraft, seized 530 grams of shabu worth of P3, 604,000.
In Iloilo, the PNP announced the arrest of a “high value target” and the seizure of P6.8 million worth of shabu in a late night police operation at Shangrila Beach Resort in Barangay Barosbos, Carles town.
Arrested was 20-year old Matthew James Bacos, alias Toto Mat. He was collared after selling one big plastic bag with shabu worth P600,000 to a police officer disguised as a buyer.
Also seized from the suspect were eight big tied plastic bags and 20 small sachets containing shabu, and drug paraphernalia.
“The estimated weight of illegal drugs is more or less one kilogram with street value of P6.8 million, said Police Regional Office 6 director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco.
Bacos is now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin commended his men for their successful operations.
“This operation is a clear demonstration of our commitment to fighting the illegal drug trade in the Philippines. We will continue to exert all efforts to prevent if not eradicate drug use and encourage occasional users to discontinue use. The provision of the best available technical, electronic and chemical analysis equipment, are our ways forward to help in the arrest of drug traffickers and bring to justice those who threaten the safety and security of our communities”, he said.
“We would like to thank the members of the community for their support and cooperation in this operation. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against illegal drugs,” he added.