By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA – Authorities seized 5.07 kg. of suspected illegal drugs worth PHP27.7 million and arrested seven individuals in separate operations in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao on Oct. 13 and early Oct. 14, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.
In a statement, the PNP said a joint interdiction operation at a cargo facility in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, led to the seizure of two inbound parcels containing approximately 3.74 kg. of suspected ketamine, with a standard drug price of PHP18.73 million.
The operation involved the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Bureau of Customs, National Bureau of Investigation, and Aviation Security Group.
In Northern Mindanao, separate operations in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.03 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6.3 million; an operation in Cainta, Rizal, yielded approximately 255.79 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP1.74 million; while seized in Capiz were 140 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP952,000.
The seized substances were placed under the custody of the appropriate authorities for documentation, laboratory examination, and proper disposition. The arrested individuals will face the appropriate legal proceedings, subject to the results of the investigation and applicable laws.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored the importance of sustained, coordinated operations that disrupt the movement of illegal drugs while ensuring that police actions remain within the bounds of the law.
“We take these results seriously because every shipment or supply of illegal drugs that we intercept is something that will no longer reach our communities. Pero hindi tayo dapat tumingin sa isang operasyon lang (But we should not look into only one operation). We have to keep connecting the information, strengthening coordination, and acting where it matters most,” Nartatez said in a statement. (PNA)
