LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bicol (PDEA-5) said Monday the suspects arrested in a recent anti-drug operation involving PHP92.5 million worth of shabu are members of a drug syndicate.
On Sept. 28, PDEA, in coordination with the Police Regional Office-5, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Ports Authority, seized 18 kilograms of shabu inside the Matnog Port compound in Sorsogon province.
The two male drug couriers, both from Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao del Sur province, remain in PDEA-5 custody following inquest proceedings.
PDEA-5 Regional Director Edgar Jubay, during a press conference, said they are conducting a more in-depth investigation into the syndicate’s operations.
“They were monitored from Zamboanga to Metro Manila. After we apprehended them, other regional offices confirmed their identities. Given the scale of their activities, it’s clear they are part of a syndicate,” Jubay said.
He added that PDEA is coordinating with its Zamboanga office to trace the origin of the seized drugs.
“There is no drug laboratory in Zamboanga, so we suspect the drugs came from nearby countries across Tawi-Tawi,” Jubay said.
Jubay praised the collaboration among law enforcement agencies for the successful operation. (PNA)