ORMOC CITY-In what supposed to be a traffic violation operation took an unexpected turn when authorities in Allen Northern Samar discovered 37 kilograms of suspected shabu which has a commercial value of P277.50 million inside the vehicle.
In a joint operation conducted by the members of the Northern Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team (NSPHPT), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led to the recovery of suspected illegal drugs along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Jubasan, Allen, Northern Samar on Sunday, Sept.1, at about 5 am, report from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police based in PALO,Leyte.
The suspect, identified only as “Sander,” a male resident of Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, was driving a dark turquoise Toyota Yaris Cross without a license plate and was initially stopped for traffic violations, including the absence of a seat belt.
When asked to present the vehicle’s official documents, the suspect could only provide a sales invoice and failed to produce an official receipt or certificate of registration.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly became visibly nervous before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into the mountainous terrain of Brgy. Jubasan.
Despite efforts to pursue him, the suspect managed to evade capture, leaving behind his Vivo cellphone.
The joint team conducted a thorough inspection of the abandoned vehicle.
They discovered 37 packs of what is believed to be shabu, concealed in black plastic bags with Chinese markings which has an estimated commercial value of P277.50 million.
In addition to the suspected drugs, authorities recovered a driver’s license under the name “Sander,” a Vivo cellphone, and a sales invoice for the Toyota Yaris Cross registered to an individual named “Omar.”
The recovered evidence was carefully marked and inventoried on-site in the presence of witnesses, as required by law.
NSPHPT personnel, in coordination with nearby stations, are continuing their efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect.
A dragnet operation is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in the suspect’s capture.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
