THREE separate anti-narcotics operations in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Central Luzon regions this week resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the confiscation of nearly P15 million worth of shabu, reports sent to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. said on Saturday.

Two of the suspects were arrested in a drug sting in San Mateo, Rizal, on Monday, said Police Regional Office 4-A (PRO4A) Director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

More than a kilo of the so-called “poor man’s cocaine” (shabu) valued at P6.8 million was confiscated from the duo.

According to Rizal Police Provincial Office (PPO) Director Col. Dominic L. Baccay, the two were arrested in Barangay Gulod Malaya in San Mateo, Rizal, at 7:12 p.m. last Monday (Sept. 26, 2022).

The official said that members of the San Mateo Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Rizal Police Provincial Intelligence Unit recovered nine plastic packets of shabu, the buy-bust money, and several drug paraphernalia from the suspects.

Baccay described one suspect as a “high-value individual” (HVI) long under surveillance by his men for his involvement in big-time drug trafficking activities in Rizal province.

The three other suspects were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Dasmariñas City in Cavite, said Nartatez.

Members of the PRO4-A Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Special Operations Unit, the Cavite PPO’s Drug Enforcement Unit, and Dasmariñas City Police Station conducted the sting in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Cavite Police Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Col. Christopher F. Olazo said that 850 grams of shabu valued at P5.780 million were confiscated from the suspects led by a woman, who was described as a “major drug player” in Cavite.

Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Olongapo City in Zambales province last Tuesday, said PRO3 Director Brig. Gen. Cesar DR Pasiwen.

Recovered from the suspects’ possession were 150 grams of shabu worth P1.020 million.

Members of the Olongapo City Police Office and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group under Brig. Gen. Narciso D. Domingo arrested the trio.

All arrested suspects are now facing non-bailable charges for the sale and possession of prohibited drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.