An interdiction operation launched by drug enforcement agents at a port in Surigao on Saturday resulted in the seizure of some P95 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 (PDEA RO 13), through the Seaport Interdiction Unit–Surigao led by IA III Paul Pestelos, spearheaded the operation at around 4:45 a.m. at Lipata Port in Barangay Lipata, Surigao City.
The operation was carried out in close coordination with several law enforcement and maritime agencies, including the PDEA Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, Surigao Component City Police Station, 1st Surigao del Norte Police Mobile Force Company, Philippine Ports Authority Port Police, Maritime Police Surigao del Norte, Regional Intelligence Unit 13 PIT-SDN, Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte, Coast Guard Sub-Station Lipata, Coast Intelligence Group–Northeastern Mindanao, Coast Guard K9 Team Lipata, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, and the Surigao del Norte Police Drug Enforcement Unit.
During the operation, the PDEA said authorities arrested a 23-year-old drug courier who is a resident of Napindan, Taguig City. Confiscated from the suspect were fourteen packs of suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of about 14 kilograms and a standard drug value of P95,200,000.
Also recovered during the operation were a metallic gray Toyota Hilux, one Android cellphone, and a tire used to conceal or transport the illegal drugs.
The arrested suspect will face charges for violation of Section 5 (Transportation of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165), as amended.
Director Laurefel P. Gabales, chief of PDEA RO 13, said the successful operation highlights the strengthened coordination among law enforcement and maritime security units in safeguarding ports and entry points against the entry and transport of illegal drugs.
