₱1.2-M shabu seized in buy-bust

An estimated ₱1.2-million worth of suspected shabu were seized and five alleged drug pushers were arrested by authorities in a buybust operation in Sta. Ana, Manila early yesterday morning.

The suspects were identified as Marquel Cunanan, 26, of Singalong, Manila; Noriel Brun, 33, of Sta. Ana, Manila; Rachelle Abiva, 39, of Singalong, Manila; Michael Ramos, 29, of Pasay City; and Francisco Prudente III, 29, of Pasay.

The National Capital Region Police Office-Regional Drug Enforcement Unit and Manila Police District Station 6 (Sta. Ana) conducted the drug sting at around 1:30 a.m.

According to Senior Insp. Joel Cabauatan, a poseur-buyer managed to purchase ₱200,000 worth of shabu which was placed inside a transparent plastic ice bag from the suspects.

After the transaction, police arrested the suspects who yielded 170 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of ₱1,156,000.

Recovered during the operation were two pieces of suspected shabu, one piece of unsealed suspected shabu, three pieces of strip aluminum foil, two pieces of rolled aluminum foil, one lighter, one Toyota Avanza, and one Toyota Wigo.

It was also learned that the suspects were also allegedly involved in different crimes such as robbery. The confiscated shabu were brought to the Crime Laboratory Office for qualitative examination.

The suspects are facing charges for violation of Sections, 5, 11, 13,14, and 26 of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.