JOINT anti-narcotics forces seized approximately six kilograms of suspected shabu worth ₱40.8 million and a cache of high-powered firearms during a pre-dawn buy-bust operation in Barangay San Juan on Monday, September 14.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office IV-A, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Rizal, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Intelligence Unit 4A conducted the entrapment around 5:30 a.m. at Sitio Dulong Bangiad.
The sting led to the arrest of three local residents: alias “Diogen,” 32; alias “Muhammad,” 31; and alias “Eddienel,” 43, both construction workers. A fourth suspect, identified only as “Abdila,” evaded capture and is currently the subject of a manhunt.
In addition to the illicit drugs, law enforcers recovered an extensive arsenal, including an M16 rifle, an M1 carbine rifle, four .45-caliber pistols, assorted magazines, a digital weighing scale, a smartphone, and the marked money used in the transaction.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez underscored the operation’s impact on public safety, noting the danger of heavily armed syndicates operating in residential areas.
“Imagine the danger of having this quantity of shabu circulating in our communities alongside suspects with an arsenal of firearms. Our job is to prevent these threats from reaching the streets. Today, we were able to take both the drugs and armed, dangerous individuals out of circulation,” Nerez said.
He added that while the arrests mark a major breakthrough, investigators are actively tracking the broader network to dismantle the syndicate behind the shipment.
The arrested suspects face non-bailable charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) in relation to Section 26 (Conspiracy), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. If convicted, they face life imprisonment and fines of up to ₱10 million.
