Packages of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) were seized from two men in Valenzuela City who were caught playing Cara y Cruz early Wednesday morning.

According to a report submitted to the Northern Police District (NPD), a concerned citizen approached police officers at the Paso De Blas Substation to report two men engaged in illegal gambling.

The police operation was conducted along F. Santiago Street in Barangay Parada, where patrolling officers caught alias “Jeffrey,” 40, and alias “Randy,” 42, in the act of playing and betting on Cara y Cruz, a coin-toss gambling game.

Recovered from the suspects were three one-peso coins used in the gambling, along with bet money totaling P850.

During a body search, operatives also recovered eight small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with a total weight of 40 grams—equivalent to an estimated street value of P272,000.

The suspected narcotics were recovered from a gray sling bag, which is under the possession of Jeffrey.

Both suspects will face charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 on illegal gambling. In addition, Jeffrey will be charged under Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The cases will be filed before the Valenzuela City Prosecutor’s Office.