P816 million shabu seized in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines — An estimated 120 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu valued at P816 million were found in Pasig City on Sunday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported yesterday.

The contraband, concealed in parcels, was discovered in a cargo warehouse at around 2 p.m.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the illegal drugs were shipped from multiple addresses in California.

Each parcel contained vacuum-sealed plastic packets of shabu, Nerez said.

“This interdiction operation is a product of strong collaboration between PDEA and our law enforcement partners,” he said in a statement.

According to Nerez, the parcels were intended for consignees in Taguig, Pasig and Makati.

He did not disclose the identities of the recipients, who are under investigation for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The illegal drugs were brought to the PDEA laboratory service for confirmatory analysis.

Nerez urged the public to report suspicious packages or drug-related activities to PDEA and other law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, two suspected drug dealers were arrested in Parañaque on Sunday for alleged possession of shabu amounting to P931,000.

The suspects, known only as James and Abs, were nabbed by the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group in Barangay Moonwalk, PDEG director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said.

Anti-narcotics officers recovered 137 grams of shabu from the suspects.

The suspects are being held on charges of drug trafficking.