Seized alleged shabu discovered in parking lot in Pampanga estimated to be worth P1.3B —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said the alleged shabu found in a car at a parking lot in Mabalacat, Pampanga on Friday were estimated to be worth P1.3 billion.

The alleged shabu placed in tea packages (tsaabu) were discovered at 2:30 a.m. Friday at a mall in Barangay Camachiles by operatives of the NBI Manila Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (TFAID).

The car was left at the parking lot for six days, authorities said.

The PNP said it is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office to identify the owner of the vehicle.

"I commend the dedication and collaboration exhibited by the NBI Manila Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (TFAID) and our PNP personnel in this significant operation. The discovery of such a massive drug haul serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by illegal drug syndicates in our society," PNP chief Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr. said.

"We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could contribute to a safer and drug-free Philippines. We will not waver in our commitment to rid our communities of these harmful substances and those who profit from them," he added.

The seized alleged shabu were inventoried and placed under the custody of the NBI, the PNP said.

The NBI earlier said the car was recently sold.

It was suspected that the car was being used in a "palit-kotse" scheme in which vehicles containing illegal drugs were swapped.

The NBI TFAID is now conducting a cross-matching search to check if the recovered drugs were a match for previously confiscated tsaabu stocks that were smuggled inside the country.

They were also reviewing the mall’s CCTV footage to identify the driver of the parked vehicle. —KG, GMA Integrated News