Batangas drug haul only P9.68 billion

MANILA, Philippines — A final inventory of shabu seized at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on Monday was placed at 1.4 tons with an estimated street value of P9.68 billion.

The inventory and markings of evidence were completed on Tuesday night.

Authorities had earlier pegged the seized shabu at nearly two tons valued at P13.3 billion, making it the country’s biggest drug haul in a single police operation.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) spokesman Derrick Carreon clarified yesterday that the figures released on Monday were only estimates.

”The figure is now based on the actual weight of the evidence that was turned over by our PDEA laboratory service,” Carreon said.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos  gave assurance that the police followed the chain of custody rule during the inventory of the illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, police filed charges against Alajon Michael Zarate, 47, the driver of a passenger van wherein the illegal drugs were recovered.

Zarate was charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act before the Batangas prosecutor’s office, according to Lt. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, Southern Luzon area police commander.

Zarate was also charged with violation of RA 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code after fake license plates and induction stickers were found in his possession.

Sources said Zarate introduced himself as a former US Marine.

He was driving a Foton passenger van, which police intercepted in Barangay Pinagkrusan. He claimed he was unaware that the cargo in his vehicle was shabu.