NBI back in drug war

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has rejoined the government’s war against illegal drugs as the agency seized a car containing packs of shabu and firearms that were supposed to be shipped to Mindanao, officials said yesterday.

The NBI presented Edris Macalabo, 36, and Arvin Zapanta, 32, in a press conference at its Manila headquarters yesterday after they underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice on drug and gun charges.

It is the first time that the NBI conducted an anti-illegal drug operation after the bureau dissolved its two anti-narcotics units and after Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II announced that the agency could perform anti-drug operations again.

However, Sixto Burgos, NBI deputy director for investigation, said the agency is still awaiting an administrative order by NBI Director Dante Gierran creating a new anti-drug unit.

The suspects were collared last Saturday as they were about to ride a gray Toyota Corolla with plate number WDJ-567, parked near the Manila North Harbor.

Law enforcers later discovered inside the car a travel bag containing 24 plastic bags filled with shabu, weighing 19.83 kilos in total.

They also confiscated 10 .45 caliber pistols, 10 .38 caliber revolvers, five 9mm submachine guns, 10 9mm magazine clips, 19 .45 caliber magazines, four 9mm suppressors and 30 9mm bullets.

According to initial investigation, the suspects allegedly belong to a drug syndicate that “primarily operates in Manila and nearby provinces like Cavite, and transports the drugs and firearms to Mindanao.” 

Acting on the information, the NBI formed an operation to intercept the transfer.

Zapanta has a criminal record for robbery in Camarines Sur, his home province.