2 nabbed for drugs, firearms

MANILA, Philippines - Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday arrested two men for possession of suspected chemicals used in the manufacture of illegal drugs and several firearms in Tondo, Manila yesterday.

Edris Macalabo, 36, and Arvin Zapanta, 32, were arrested on Zaragoza street shortly after noon.

The suspects were about to board a Toyota Corolla car parked near the area when the agents arrested them.

The NBI said the suspects’ car was loaded with several boxes containing 24 plastic bags of white powdery substance and 25 firearms including sub-machine guns, pistols and revolvers.

Initial investigation showed the suspects were supposed to ship the car to an undisclosed place. 

The NBI subjected the bags of white powder for laboratory examination and the firearms for verification. 

Authorities are verifying if Macalabo and Zapanta have criminal records.

It was the first time the NBI conducted an anti-illegal drug operation after the agency dissolved its two drug units.