Cops seize P5.7-M 'shabu', arrest 7 suspects in Manila operations

The Philippine National Police said Wednesday that a total of P5.7 million worth of suspected shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride was seized in two separate operations in Manila.

In a statement, the PNP said the Manila Police District (MPD) reported that around 835 grams of illegal drugs were seized during buy-bust operations in San Miguel on Monday, and in Tondo on Tuesday.

Authorities conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay 648 in San Miguel where 67-year-old suspect Nasfira Nassir Abdulla was arrested.

At least 16 plastic sachets with 735 grams of suspected shabu worth P4.99 million were confiscated from him.

In Tondo, six drug suspects were also arrested after 100 grams of suspected shabu worth P680,000 were seized during the operation.

Arrested suspects were identified as Jonathan Balingit, 24; Esmelita Tumbagahan, 61; Renalyn Silverio, 40; Aldwin Castillo, 43; Anna Punzal, 40; and Mark Echalar, 42.

PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar commended the MPD personnel for the accomplishment.

“I am directing the MPD to further conduct investigation into this to identify the suspects’ other possible cohorts and to find out if they are part of a bigger drug syndicate,” he said. —LBG, GMA News