Photo courtesy of PNP
A suspected high-value drug personality was arrested after police recovered 2.1 kilograms of suspected shabu in an operation in Ermita, Manila.
The Philippine National Police valued the seized drugs at about Php 14.28 million, making the haul one of the key pieces of evidence now being examined for possible links to a wider drug network.
Personnel of the Manila Police District Drug Enforcement Unit carried out the buy-bust operation along Maria Orosa Street in Barangay 666, Zone 72, on Aug. 31.
The 33-year-old suspect, whose identity was withheld, was taken into custody after the transaction. Police classified him as a high-value individual.
Investigators said the suspected shabu was divided among four heat-sealed plastic sachets. Marked money, boodle money and the suspect’s personal belongings were also recovered.
The suspect remained under MPD custody as authorities prepared complaints for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators would use information and evidence obtained from the operation to determine whether other individuals were involved.
Police were also pursuing leads that could establish the source and other possible connections of the seized drug supply.