20 cops in P6.7B drug case now in PNP custody

Twenty out of 29 police officers implicated in the mishandling of a P6.7 billion drug case are now in PNP custody following an arrest order issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court.

The Manila RTC ordered the arrest of the 29 officers on January 15 for their alleged involvement in the bungled prosecution related to the P6.7 billion shabu case.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo reported that as of Monday, 10 officers are in various arresting units, nine are in PNP custodial centers, and one is in Manila City Jail.

Of the nine officers still at large, four are active police officials, three are retired, and one has been dismissed from service.

The alleged cover-up, revealed by then-Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on April 10, 2023, is connected to the arrest of dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr. in October 2022.