POLICE and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives yesterday seized in Baguio City some 575 kilos of suspected shabu worth nearly P4 billion, so far the second largest drug haul under the administration of President Marcos Jr.
A Chinese chef, identified as Ming Hui, alias Tan, 51, was arrested during the raid that was covered by a search warrant issued by Judge Rufus Gayo Malecdan Jr. of the Baguio City Regional Trial Court.
Authorities swooped down on Ming’s residence in Barangay Irisan at around 8:55 a.m. and found the illegal drugs. Ming, who was in the house, was arrested.
In October last year, operatives of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) raided a money lending firm in Manila and seized 990 kilos of shabu worth P6.8 billion.
A PDEG policeman, Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., who owns the lending firm, was arrested in Manila in a follow-up operation. Seized from him were two kilos of shabu worth P13.6 million. He is facing drug charges.
Early this month, PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. approved the recommendation of the PNP Internal Affairs Service to dismiss Mayo, who was found guilty of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who went to the site to inspect the seized drugs, said the illegal drugs were just stored in Baguio City.
“To the people of Cordillera, don’t worry because they (drugs) were just stored here. This is not for distribution in Cordillera, in Baguio. That’s not the case,” said Abalos.
Abalos said the illegal drugs were due to be distributed by drug syndicates in different areas.
Investigation is underway to identify and subsequently arrest the cohorts of Ming.
The National Capital Region Office (NCRPO), which led the operation, said the seizure was conducted after a “relentless surveillance operation.”
“Due to the unfavorable operating environment of these illegal drug syndicates in Metro Manila and rigorous anti-illegal drugs operation of NCRPO, these drug syndicates had no other choice but to hide these illegal drugs in Baguio City, which is known to have very low cases of drug affectation,” the NCRPO said in a statement.
“Initial investigation revealed that the seized illegal drugs are to be distributed or sold within (the) Luzon area,” it added.
PDEA chief Moro Virgillo Lazo said the operation was conducted in line with the President’s instructions “to check on the supply reduction and to arrest the top tier traffickers.
“So this is one accomplishment towards the end,” said Lazo.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a retired police general, thanked Abalos for issuing guidance for the conduct of intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
Police seized P113,424 worth of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested two men in a buy-bust operation in Marikina City before dawn yesterday.
Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, Eastern police district director, identified the two as Ricardo Palma, 40; and Regie Acayan, 38, residents of Barangay Malanday, Marikina City.
Seized from them were several sachets containing more or less 16.68 grams of suspected shabu. — With Christian Oineza
