TACLOBAN CITY – Some P277 million worth of shabu in a car was intercepted Thursday night near the port of Allen, Northern Samar, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Friday, Sept. 6.
The Northern Samar Provincial Police Office (NSPPO) said the seized illegal drugs wrapped in black plastic weighed 37 kilograms.
The Highway Patrol Team seized the illegal substance at a checkpoint in Jubasan village, just a few meters away from the town’s port, the region’s gateway to Luzon.
Police personnel manning the checkpoint flagged down the Toyota Avanza car as the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and failed to present proof of ownership and registration of the vehicle.
Upon searching, lawmen noticed the black package, which turned out to be containing shabu.
The operatives arrested the driver, alias Japeth, 44, of Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City; his companions alias Eman, also from the same village in Antipolo City, and alias Ruel, from Banday village in Malabang, Lanao Del Sur.
Col. Sonnie Omengan, NSPPO chief, said the illicit drugs came from Malabang, Lanao Del Sur, picked up in Tubod, Iligan City, and up for delivery to Baclaran in Metro Manila.
The 37 packs seized illegal drugs were turned over to the PNP provincial forensic unit for examination while the suspects were brought to the Allen municipal police station.
Omengan said the suspects will be charged with the violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
He ordered an in-depth investigation for the possible identification of parties involved.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)
