Cops seize over P14-M 'shabu', nab 2 suspects in separate ops

Authorities seized over P14 million worth of suspected shabu, and arrested two suspects in two separate operations in Malolos City, Bulacan, and in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Philippine National Police said on Thursday.

In a statement, the PNP said police operatives confiscated P7,425,600 worth of illegal drugs, concealed in a water purifier, during a controlled delivery operation in Malolos City.

In the operation, authorities arrested the suspect who received the shipment, identified as Jonas Faustino, 24.

Photos courtesy of PNP

The water purifier with shabu was shipped via Tanaporn of Ban, Nong Phaya Chonthabouly, Vientiane, Laos through Philpost-CMEC, Domestic Road, Pasay City, the PNP said.

Meanwhile, more than P6.9 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Firecrash, Barangay Bangkal in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday afternoon.

The arrested suspect was identified as Melvin Salazar, 32.

Authorities seized from Salazar 14 plastic packs with suspected shabu weighing more or less 1,025 grams amounting to P6,970,000, buy-bust money, and a sling bag.

Salazar was tagged as No. 10 high-value individual in the region for his illegal drug activities.

He was detained in Cebu City in 2018 for violation of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He, however, availed of the plea-bargaining agreement and secured his release. Later, Salazar was again arrested for the same violation but posted bail.

In a separate buy-bust sting on Tuesday night, PRO-7 Regional Drug Enforcement Unit seized 20 grams of shabu worth P136,000 and arrested a drug suspect identified as Dionisio Cañamo, 40.

Police nabbed Cañamo at Sitio Sidlakan in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City at around 9:30 p.m.

The suspects will face complaints for violation of the Republic Act 9165 or the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002," the PNP said. —LBG, GMA News