P20.4 million shabu seized in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines — Around three kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with a street value of P20.4 million were confiscated by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) from three persons in Taguig City on Monday.

Jaynard Pamittan, John Jever Guijilde and a minor were caught in a sting at the parking lot of a shopping mall in Bonifacio Global City at around 6:30 p.m., PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said yesterday.

Anti-narcotics agents also seized two cell phones and a motorcycle from the suspects.

Pamittan and Guijilde are being held on charges of drug trafficking while the minor was turned over to social welfare and development officers for rehabilitation.

Binondo shop sells jewelry, drugs

In Manila, businessman Peter Chua was arrested in front of his jewelry store at the Chinatown Gold Center during a drug sting yesterday morning.

The sting was staged by operatives from PDEA-Region 4-A, Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (Smart) and MPD Station 11.

Major Cicero Pura, MPD-Smart deputy chief, said the operation stemmed from “intelligence work of the Cavite PDEA and the Manila police only served as back-up.”

An intelligence officer said Chua is on the government’s drug watchlist.

At least 50 grams of shabu were recovered from the suspect along with P340,000 marked money.