FIVE top drug traffickers in Metro Manila were arrested and anti-narcotics seized some P4.7 million worth of shabu in two separate operations on Monday in Taguig City.

Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) director Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta identified the suspects as alias ‘Maeng,’55; and ‘Tong,’32, who were arrested in a buy-bust operation on Langka Road in Western Bicutan.

The sting conducted by the PNP-DEG Special Operations Unit-National Capital Region with the support of the Taguig City Police Station led to the seizure of some 500 grams of shabu valued at P3.4 million and the buy-bust money topped by some marked bills.

‘Maeng,’ a resident of Tramo Street in Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City and ‘Tong,’ of Purok 7, FTI, Taguig City were described as ‘high-value individuals’ in Metro Manila long under the radar of the PNP-DEG.

Another operation inside a residential house on Mangondato St. in Maharlika Village around 9:55 p.m. of the same day resulted in the arrest of three local residents who were tagged as ‘high-value targets’ too.

The suspects age 52, 46 and 27 were arrested in an anti-drug operation launched by undercover operatives from the DEG SOU-NCR and the Intelligence and Foreign Liaison Division.

Confiscated from the three suspects were four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing shabu worth P1.3 million.

The suspects were charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 for sale and possession of prohibited drugs.

“The successful buy-bust operation carried out by the PNP-DEG has effectively dismantled a dangerous drug group, safeguarding local communities from further harm. With millions of pesos worth of illegal drugs seized, this operation has greatly contributed to the safety of the area. The community continues to place their trust in the PNP-DEG to ensure their streets remain secure,” Matta said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon