PDEA: Sta. Cruz raid positive for shabu, value pegged at P383 million

The illegal drugs confiscated during a raid in Sta. Cruz, Manila where a military official was arrested tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, James Agustin reported for Super Radyo dzBB.

Philipine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. said, in a statement, that the chemistry report from the PDEA Laboratory Service showed the illegal drugs found inside plastic bins and strainers weighed a total of 76,697.7 grams, with an estimated street value of P383 million.

Illegal drugs, including laboratory equipment, were discovered during a search conducted by PDEA Special Enforcement Service (PDEA-SES) under Director Ismael Fajardo, Jr. and the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) in Mahogany Street, Celadon Residences, Felix Huertas Road, Barangay 350, Zone 35, District 3, Sta. Cruz, Manila on January 21.

Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino, a Philippine Marine Corps member and a former PDEA officer, and 33-year-old Yan Yi Shuo, alias Randy, a Chinese national were arrested during the operation.

Cacdac said both Marcelino and Shuo will be facing charges for violation of Section 8 (Manufacture of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

On the other hand, the powdered substance found in 64 wooden drums found during a search conducted by the same operating unit in Valenzuela City on the same day tested negative for the presence of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals. — BAP, GMA News