Three suspects were arrested in a Mabalacat City drug operation on Aug. 26, with authorities seizing about Php 2.29 million worth of suspected illegal drugs. Photo courtesy of Jason de Asis/PNA
Police arrested a high-value individual and two other suspects and seized suspected illegal drugs worth Php 2.29 million in a sting operation in Mabalacat City on Wednesday, while a Korean suspect escaped.
The operation was originally planned near Friendship Gate in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, but the target allegedly changed the meeting point shortly before the transaction to The Sharp Clarkhills along Macapagal Village in Mabalacat.
Police adjusted their operation and proceeded to the new location, where the transaction took place at around 3:30 p.m.
Authorities arrested three suspects, including the alleged high-value individual, and recovered suspected ecstasy tablets, ketamine, marijuana vape cartridges and KPODS containing suspected liquid ketamine.
Police also seized a bottle containing a substance suspected to be “Happy Water.” The confiscated drugs were estimated to be worth a total of Php 2.29 million.
A fourth suspect, identified by police as a Korean, managed to escape. Authorities launched follow-up operations to locate the suspect and identify others allegedly linked to the drug operation.
The arrested suspects and seized evidence were brought to Angeles City Police Office Police Station 4 for documentation and proper disposition. Police said charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, were being prepared.
PRO-3 chief Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said police would continue strengthening intelligence gathering and coordination against illegal drug operations as authorities pursued the escaped suspect.