Photo courtesy of PDEA Calabarzon
A drug sting in Taytay before sunrise Monday yielded an estimated P40.8 million worth of suspected shabu and an assortment of high-powered firearms, with three men arrested and another suspect escaping authorities.
About six kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride were recovered during the operation in Sitio Dulong Bangiad, Barangay San Juan, at around 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The raid also uncovered an M16 rifle, an M1 carbine, four .45-caliber pistols and several empty magazines, along with a digital weighing scale, smartphone and the money used in the undercover transaction.
PDEA identified the arrested suspects only by the aliases “Diogen,” 32, “Muhammad,” 31, and “Eddienel,” 43. Authorities said the three lived in the same barangay where the operation took place.
A fourth man identified as “Abdila” managed to evade arrest. Authorities said follow-up operations were underway to locate him and determine whether other individuals were connected to the alleged drug operation.
Personnel from PDEA Region IV-A conducted the operation with the Philippine Coast Guard in Rizal and the PNP Regional Intelligence Unit 4A’s Provincial Intelligence Team.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said investigators would trace the source and intended distribution network of the seized drugs, stressing that the arrests would not end the investigation.
The three suspects are expected to face complaints for sale and conspiracy to sell dangerous drugs under Republic Act No. 9165. The allegations and the nature of the seized substances and firearms remain subject to investigation, forensic examination and court proceedings.