Police busted a suspected drug dealer and seized P34 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation Thursday night in Paranaque City.
Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. identified the suspect as Keneth Vito Cruz, 32, a resident of Sucat, Paranaque City.
A composite team from the National Capital Region Police Office, Southern Police District, and Paranaque City Police Station conducted the entrapment operation with the help of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
One of the police operatives disguised as a buyer and was able to negotiate with Vito Cruz at Fountain Breeze along Lombos Avenue in Barangay San Isidro around 8:45 p.m.
Seized from the suspect were five kilograms of shabu, a mobile phone, and the money used in the entrapment operation.
Danao said the NCRPO turned over Vito Cruz and the recovered pieces of evidence to PDEA for proper disposition and documentation while criminal charges will be filed against the suspect for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).
The NCRPO chief commended his men and the PDEA team for the latest accomplishment, saying their successful operation is part of the government’s crackdown on drug dealing in Metro Manila.
“The relentless efforts of our joint operatives are highly commendable. Despite the current health crisis they always go beyond their expected duties and responsibilities just to apprehend these criminals and drug suspects. This is what drives the whole team to continuously deliver public service at its best,” Danao said.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently renewed his commitment to continue eradicating drug dealing in the country, reiterating to punish those who are involved in the trade.
“I would like to reassure again those who are into it that do not destroy my country because I will kill you. It’s no joke coming from me since I was mayor,” he said.
Duterte said the government must throw its full weight in the anti-illegal narcotics campaign to counter drug syndicates bringing in a huge volume of drugs in the country.
He expressed fear of what might happen to the nation if the trade of illegal drugs will continue unabated.