P10.2M shabu seized

Authorities confiscated suspected shabu worth P10.2 million during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Taytay, Rizal on Friday evening.

Taytay police chief P/Maj. Rodel Ban-o arrested Eric de la Cruz, 32, a high-value target and the leader of a local drug group.

“De la Cruz and his group were allegedly responsible for the proliferation of drugs in Rizal province and nearby areas,” Ban-o told Daily Tribune in a phone interview on Monday.

De la Cruz was nabbed in a buy-bust operation conducted by joint operatives of Taytay Municipal Police Station and Rizal Provincial Police Office’ provincial intelligence unit at Sitio Lupang Arenda, Barangay Sta. Ana shortly after he allegedly sold illegal drugs to a policeman who posed as a buyer.

Seized during the operation were 1.5 kilos of suspected shabu worth P10.2 million, three pouches of dried marijuana leaves, a KG-99, caliber .45 and 9mm pistols, a magazine for KG-99, two magazines for caliber .45 and 9mm pistols, five live ammunition each for KG-99 and caliber .45 pistol, 10 live ammunition for 9mm pistol, one improvised carbine rifle loaded with one ammunition, two hand grenades, a weighing scale, a plastic pouch containing drug paraphernalia, a tooter and P67,110 drug money.

Taytay Mayor Joric told drug syndicates to leave his town, saying the local police will not stop conducting anti-drug operations even if there is a pandemic.