PNP, PDEA seize P16M worth of shabu, marijuana in Isabela buy-bust; 2 suspects arrested

Around P16 million worth of shabu and marijuana were seized in a joint buy-bust operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Isabela on Saturday evening.

In a statement on Sunday, the PNP said two suspects were arrested, identified as Anwar Sindatoc, 54 years old, from Las Piñas City, and Elson Cabunyag, 43 years old,  from Port Area, Manila.

PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said the operation was conducted in Barangay Abut in Quezon about 10 p.m. headed by Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 2 with other anti-drug agency and police units.

Citing reports from Police Regional Office 2, Sinas said the suspects sold two bricks of marijuana worth P31,000 to cops disguised as buyers.

The PNP said Cabunyag and Sindatoc tried to escape but they were intercepted at a quarantine checkpoint of the PNP - Quezon and Provincial EOD and Canine Unit - Isabela.

Among the recovered items were 125 bricks and four tubular packs of marijuana weighing 130 kilos worth P16 Million;  three grams of shabu worth P20,400; a caliber 45 Colt pistol with seven live ammunition; M14 rifle live ammunitions; various ID cards; two cellphones; and boodle money.

The suspects were brought to PNP Crime Laboratory to undergo drug tests while evidence is now under the custody of PDEA Regional Office 2.

According to the PNP, the police are preparing criminal charges in violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act  and Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulations Act against the two drug suspects.

“I commend our police and PDEA agents for a successful teamwork and cooperation which led to another positive operation against illegal drugs,” Sinas said. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News