3 ‘HVTs’ nabbed, P68M shabu seized in Laguna sting
A PHILIPPINE National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG)-led anti-narcotics operation in San Pedro City in Laguna late night Friday led in the arrest of three “high-value targets” (HVTs) and the seizure of 10 kilograms of shabu worth P68 million, a report to PNP chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos said yesterday.
PNP-DEG director, Brigadier Gen. Remus B. Medina said the three suspects were arrested during the buy-bust operation at Block 14, Lot 45 in Camachile Street, South Fairway Homes in Bgy. Landayan, San Pedro City 9:45 p.m. Friday.
Medina identified the accused drug traffickers as 35-year-old Ace Arciaga, the owner of the target house; Shamewayne Darvin, 19, of 180 Rosal St, Purok 3, Bayanan, Muntinlupa City: and Benz Gonzales, 21, of Block 3, Solema St., also in Bayanan.
The official said a 17-year-old male from the same Muntinlupa City area was placed under police custody after he was found in the company of the suspects. He said they are still determining the real involvement of the teenager with the jailed suspects.
According to Medina, they conducted the sting with the help of the Police Regional Office 4-A Regional Drug Enforcement Unit and Regional Special Operations Group under Brig. Gen. Eliseo DC Cruz, the Laguna Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency headed by Director General Wilkins M. Villanueva.
Recovered from the possession of the suspects were 10 kilograms of the so-called “poor man’s cocaine” with a Dangerous Drugs Board value of P68 million and the boodle money topped by several marked bills.
All suspects are now under the custody of the PNP-DEG and undergoing questioning regarding the main source of the drugs confiscated from them.
Medina said the arrested adult suspects will be facing non-bailable charges for sale and possession of prohibited drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The offense is punishable by life imprisonment and a P10 million fine upon conviction by the court.
The teenage suspect will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, he added.
