13 construction workers nabbed in drug sting inside Army HQ

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested 13 construction workers during a buy-bust operation inside Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Monday.

According to Marisol Abdurahman's "24 Oras" report, operatives raided a construction site inside the camp following a month-long surveillance.

In a statement, the Army said that the construction site "served as drug den" for the workers.

"Joint operatives launched the drug sting after a month-long surveillance effort that ended with a PDEA poseur buyer transacting with the suspects at the drug den within the construction site," the Army said.

"The arrested construction worker states that he and his fellow suspects pool their meager daily income to buy shabu to keep them alert and active while at work," it added.

Army spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said that the shabu was "bought outside and then brought here smuggled by small sachets." 

Authorities seized assorted drug paraphernalia and P88,000 worth of shabu from the arrested workers, who are now in the custody of the PDEA. They will face charges of violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The Philippine Army said it does not condone illegal activities in its camps. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA News