Transnational drug ring eyed in P1 billion shabu shipment

MANILA, Philippines — A transnational drug group operating in Southeast Asia is believed to be behind the P1.088 billion worth of shabu confiscated by anti-narcotics agents in Valenzuela City on Tuesday.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Wilkins Villanueva named the drug ring as “The Company” whose members are mainly Chinese citizens.

“The Company is operating in Southeast Asia and ang source of drugs nito ay doon pa rin galing sa Golden Triad,” Villanueva said at a press briefing on Tuesday night.

Around 160 kilos of shabu were seized during in a sting led by PDEA operatives in a warehouse in Barangay Karuhatan.

Chinese Tianzhu Lyu, 32, and Meliza Villanueva, 37, were arrested during the operation.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the suspects are allegedly known drug dealers in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

An initial report from the PDEA estimated the street value of the shabu at P1.1 billion. The agency clarified in a statement that the illegal drugs are worth P1.088 billion.

This month alone, the PDEA has confiscated 231.2 kilos of shabu valued at P1.57 billion during anti-narcotics operations nationwide.

Villanueva said they are keeping tabs on other people who are involved in the drug trade in Valenzuela.

“Meron pa tayong next target,” he said.

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said the warehouse where the drugs were recovered has no business permit as it was registered as a residential area.

Gatchalian turned over copies of the documents related to the property to the PDEA and the police for investigation.