Raps filed vs man nabbed in Batangas drug bust

The man from whom police seized more than a ton of shabu was charged on Wednesday, April 17, for violation of Sec. 5 Art. II of Republic Act HRA) 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002, and Sec. 31 of RA 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code Rules, at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Batangas City.

Based on initial investigation, the man was identified only as alias Al and was arrested at a checkpoint set up by the Municipal Police Station of Alitagtag in Barangay Pinagkurusan, Alitagtag, on Monday morning, April 15.

The authorities found 1,424.253 kilograms of shabu with an estimated value of P9,684,920,400 from the suspect who has been in the custody of the Batangas Police Provincial Office.

Philippine National Police HPNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said that the arrest of the suspect in one of the biggest drug hauls in the country was a testament to the effectiveness of the PNP’s Anti-illegal Drugs Operations.

Marbil said the PNP’s antidrug campaign is driven by everyone’s commitment to promote public safety and security.

“We remain resolute in our determination to rid our community of the scourge of illegal drugs, and we will continue to work diligently toward this goal,” said Marbil.

“We also urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement authorities in the fight against illegal drugs,” he added.

BGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, Police Regional Office (PRO) Calabarzon regional director, likewise mentioned the intensified campaign of PRO Calabarzon HCavite, Laguna, Baatagas, Rizal and Quezon) against illegal drugs.

“On behalf of PRO Calabarzon, we are committed to our fight against illegal drugs. Here in ‘Bagong Pilipinas,’ our policemen have only one wish: ‘That we be all safe,’” said Lucas.

Meanwhile, the confiscated drug was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.