METRO
‘Manda’ drug sting rescues minor
In a separate buy-bust operation early Thursday in Taguig City, police arrested a 26-year-old suspected street-level drug dealer and seized 22.4 grams of suspected shabu worth P152,320.
Police officers intercepted a 15-year-old minor and arrested a 22-year-old man during a Mandaluyong City drug operation that yielded approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, regional police officials announced Thursday.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported that officers encountered the minor and the adult suspect along Sgt. Bumatay Street in Barangay Plainview last 19 August while conducting a follow-up investigation into a lost cellphone.
Both individuals attempted to flee as officers approached, but police quickly intercepted them.
During the arrest, authorities recovered estimated illegal drugs valued at P340,000, along with a digital weighing scale, two evidence pouches, and a tricycle.
The 22-year-old tricycle driver faces drug possession charges under Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Officers transferred the 15-year-old minor to the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center for temporary protective custody and a formal assessment of discernment.
Under Philippine juvenile justice laws, minors involved in offenses receive specialized protective handling rather than adult criminal processing.
The Mandaluyong operation was one of two anti-drug actions in the capital region that resulted in the arrest of two adults and the recovery of a combined 72.4 grams of suspected shabu valued at P492,320.
In a separate buy-bust operation early Thursday in Taguig City, police arrested a 26-year-old suspected street-level drug dealer and seized 22.4 grams of suspected shabu worth P152,320.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin affirmed that police forces will sustain anti-drug operations across Metro Manila while adhering strictly to statutory safeguards for cases involving juvenile offenders.