Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested five individuals, including a senior citizen, during a buy-bust operation at the flower market area in Dangwa, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases as “Jess,” 62, jobless and the primary target of the operation; “Nando,” 54; “Prince,” 25; “Don,” 37; and “Drew,” 27. All of them work as flower arrangers in the Dangwa area.

According to reports, residents had complained that the group was allegedly engaged in illegal drug activities aside from their regular work arranging flowers.

Acting on the tip, PDEA agents placed the suspects under surveillance.

After confirming the illegal activities, a test buy was conducted, during which a civilian agent from PDEA Regional Office–National Capital Region purchased shabu worth P5,000 from alias “Jess.”

As the transaction concluded, the raiding team immediately moved in and apprehended the suspects inside what authorities described as their drug den located along Vison Street, Barangay 352, Zone 35, Sta. Cruz, Manila, at about 3:40 p.m.