PDEA seizes P828 million in illegal drugs, arrests 5 in separate ops

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized P6.8 million worth of shabu and arrested two individuals in a buy-bust operation in Sampaloc, Manila.

In Cebu, authorities seized some P20.4 million worth of shabu and arrested a businesswoman during a buy-bust in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City, who allegedly distributes up to three kilograms of shabu every week in Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and neighboring provinces.

PDEA-3 arrested three individuals and seized P102,000 worth of shabu in Lubao, Pampanga, also dismantling a makeshift drug den after the trio had been under surveillance since May.

Additionally, PDEA-3 intercepted P700,000 worth of high-grade marijuana originating from Michigan, USA, at the Port of Clark in Pampanga, which was declared as "Sasttie Reading Pillows for Sitting in Bed Adult" and discovered during a routine customs examination.

In a significant development, PDEA and the Bureau of Customs seized over 110 kilograms of suspected shabu worth around PHP749 million inside four "balikbayan" boxes at the Manila International Container Port.

The illegal drugs, discovered in boxes of cereal, snack packs, and instant noodles, arrived from California and were destined for recipients in Mandaluyong and Quezon City.

While no suspects have been arrested yet in the Manila port seizure, authorities are working to identify those behind the shipment and trace local contacts.