P680M worth of 'tsaa-bu' seized in Pampanga drug bust

More than P680 million worth of suspected shabu concealed in shiny tea bags or "tsaa-bu" were seized during a buy-bust operation in Angeles City, Pampanga, authorities confirmed.

In a "24 Oras" report by Chino Gaston, two suspects were arrested, including a 31-year-old Chinese national and his 24-year-old Filipina companion. Both are now facing charges for the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

The suspected shabu were discovered inside tea bag packages, weighing approximately 100 kilos.

The operation took place in Barangay Sto. Domingo, a known residential and commercial area in Angeles City.

“'Yung mga teabags… either traffic or transit lang siya kahit saang bansa. Minsan Vietnam, Malaysia, depende sa track ng sindikato,” said Jigger Montallana, Regional Director of PDEA Region III.

(These tea bags are either for trafficking or in transit through any country. Sometimes Vietnam or Malaysia depending on the syndicate's route.)

The Philippine National Police believe the illegal drugs could be intended for distribution in the Visayas or Mindanao if the operation had not been foiled.

“Malaking impact ito, 101 kilos — kung makakalabas — mabuti at di natuloy ang distribution nito,”said Police Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP Region 3 Director.

(This has a huge impact. It’s a good thing that the 101 kilos didn’t reach the public. We're thankful the distribution didn’t push through.)

In a separate operation, police seized about 30 kilos of suspected shabu that are also hidden in tea bags in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Three suspects — two women and one man — were arrested, and their SUV, where the drugs were loaded, was confiscated.

Authorities say the group had been in contact with a foreign national, believed to be the syndicate's mastermind.

“Ang talagang kausap daw nila is 'yung sinasabi na Chinese,” said Police Lt. Col. Ismael Gauna, Norzagaray police chief.

(They said the person they were really talking to was the alleged Chinese national.)

This is not the first time authorities have intercepted drugs concealed in green tea bags. The police said the distinct packaging is often used by syndicates operating out of the Golden Triangle, a notorious drug trafficking region that borders Thailand, China, Laos, and Myanmar.

Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement continues the search for the syndicate's leader. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News