A PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency-led anti-narcotics operation inside the Port of Calapan in Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro on Friday morning led the interception of 120 kilograms of shabu worth at least P816 million, PDEA chair Director General Isagani R. Nerez announced yesterday.

The official said that the huge volume of drugs were found inside a vehicle being driven by a 43-year-old truck driver from Oton, Iloilo identified only as alias “Cris.”

Director General Nerez said that when subjected to a K-9 inspection around 9:30 a.m. Friday, the vehicle’s compartment yielded traveling bags found loaded with 120 packages, each weighing a kilo of shabu.

Members of the PDEA Calapan Seaport Interdiction and K-9 Unit, National Capital Region Office and Regional Office 4-A were joined by officers from the Police Regional Office 4-B Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, the Calapan City Police Station, Philippine Army, PNP Highway Patrol Group, Drug Enforcement Group and Maritime Group in the major anti-drug operation.

The Toyota Camry used by the suspect to transport the drugs was impounded by the PDEA.

The suspect’s mobile phone was also confiscated and will be subjected to a digital forensic examination to determine the drug smuggler’s contacts.

The accused will be facing non-bailable charges for violation of Section 5 (Transportation of Illegal Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Illegal Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“The operation is the first major seizure of illegal drugs in Oriental Mindoro. Beside the country’s airports and parcel system, we also need to protect our seaports from becoming transit and dropping points for large volumes of illegal drugs,” Nerez said.

“Another high-impact operation that saved countless lives. This is going to be a regular part of PDEA life,” the PDEA chief added.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon