15 cops charged in drug bust arrested; 17 now in custody

Fifteen out of 29 active and former police officers charged in connection with the controversial drug bust in Manila in 2022 are now under custody by various Philippine National Police units, with two more being arrested on Monday evening.

CIDG chief Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III confirmed that his unit is holding six of the 15 cops, while others are detained in different PNP units; some have expressed their intention to surrender.

A panel of prosecutors has filed charges against 30 cops, including two ranking generals, for violations under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which include planting evidence and delaying drug case prosecutions.

The investigation centers on dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who was arrested in a controversial operation where nearly one ton of suspected shabu with an estimated value over PHP6.7 billion was seized.

Mayo served as an intelligence officer for the PNP Drug Enforcement Group and was dismissed in March 2023 for grave misconduct, including conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

So far, 17 out of the 29 wanted police officers are now in custody, with warrants issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branches 175 and 44 against those still at large.