2 CAUGHT WITH P4M IN DRUGS

Agent spent nearly a year gathering info on Marie Ann Maglasang, 42, and her partner Christopher Cobrado, 41 PDEA caught pair in San Francisco; Maglasang’s late husband allegedly worked for Peter Co in Bilibid Prison

PDEA 7 agents arrest Marie Ann Maglasang and her boyfriend Christopher Cobrado in San Francisco Several bankbooks, checks and other documents that state the alleged drug dealings of suspects confiscated

Two high-profile drug personalities who allegedly have connections with a suspected drug kingpin inside the national penitentiary were caught by anti-narcotics agents in a buy-bust in Barangay Union, San Francisco, Camotes.

The arrest of businesswoman Marie Ann Maglasang, 42, and her alleged boyfriend Christopher Cobrado, 41, last Friday night came after almost a year of surveillance.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz said they deployed an undercover agent, who succeeded in getting the trust of Maglasang, who allegedly operates under the umbrella of Peter Co—one of the high-profile inmates of the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, who allegedly runs narcotics businesses while behind bars.

Maglasang's late husband, Bobiks, was reportedly one of Co's trusted aides and bodyguards. Bobits was killed during a jail riot in 2014.

Co, a convicted drug lord, has accused detained Sen. Leila de Lima of asking him for millions and vehicles for her senatorial bid in 2016.

Seized from Maglasang and Cobrado were 1.052 kilos of suspected shabu worth P4.1 million.

The couple allegedly operates in Cebu, Central Visayas and possibly in some parts in Manila.

Business fronts

Ruiz said they plan to freeze the properties and bank accounts of Maglasang by filing a complaint before the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

PDEA 7 agents seized several bankbooks, checks, and other documents that state the dealings of the suspects.

The government can sequester Maglasang's assets if AMLC can prove these came from her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Last January, the Court of Appeals granted the request of PDEA 7, under Ruiz, through AMLC, to freeze the properties of self-confessed drug lord Franz Sabalones.

Maglasang allegedly owns 15 houses, including four in Manila, real properties and several cars.

“She doesn't stay in one place. She is elusive,” Ruiz said in Cebuano.

Her front is lending money and selling used cars, but she has no display centers.

During the buy-bust in Maglasang's house last Friday, operatives from San Francisco Police Station assisted PDEA.

Agents arrested the suspects after an undercover agent bought 50 grams of shabu from Cobrado.

Ruiz said the suspects are uncooperative.

Maglasang and Cobrado reportedly get their drug supply from Muntinlupa City.

A sports utility vehicle or van smuggles the illegal drugs via land trip.

The suspects distribute their supplies to medium-level drug pushers, who employ street-level sellers to reach customers.

The suspects will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.