Police pounced on ₱204M worth of shabu in Las Piñas, woman courier arrested

Police arrested a woman and seized about 30 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P204 million during a buy-bust operation in Las Piñas City, the Philippine National Police said Sunday.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the 40-year-old suspect, identified by the alias “Girlie,” was arrested in BF International, Las Piñas, on 19 September.

The operation was conducted by the Special Operations Unit-National Capital Region of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, with support from other police units and in coordination with the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-NCR.

Authorities recovered about 30 kilograms of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of P204 million.

“This operation delivers a significant blow to the illegal drug supply by taking a high-value drug suspect and a substantial volume of suspected shabu out of circulation. We will sustain decisive law enforcement efforts against those who profit from the illegal drug trade,” Nartatez said.

“Hindi lang ilegal na droga ang ating sinusugpo, kundi ang panganib na dala nito sa mga pamilya at komunidad. Kaya magiging matatag tayo sa pagpapatupad ng batas laban sa mga sangkot sa ilegal na kalakalan,” he added.

The suspect is under the custody of the Las Piñas City Police Station, while the seized substances were turned over to the Southern Police District Forensic Group in Taguig City for laboratory examination.

Police said the suspect would face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office urged courier companies and delivery riders to remain vigilant against attempts by criminal groups to use legitimate delivery services to transport illegal drugs and other contraband.

NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano issued the reminder after two motorcycle delivery riders in Barangay Parang, Marikina City, became suspicious of a parcel they had been asked to deliver and sought police assistance on 18 September.

Police later recovered various illegal drugs worth at least P150,000 during the investigation.

“We are reminding all courier companies and delivery personnel: be vigilant. Do not allow your legitimate business to be unknowingly used as a tool by criminal syndicates in transporting illegal drugs or other contraband,” Abrahano said.

“We understand that couriers may unknowingly be used by these criminal groups. That is why vigilance and proper procedures are extremely important. If a transaction or package raises legitimate suspicion, report it immediately and coordinate with the authorities,” he added.

Abrahano urged courier and delivery companies to ensure their personnel are trained to identify suspicious transactions based on existing laws, regulations and internal security procedures.

“Criminal syndicates will always look for ways to exploit legitimate businesses. We will not allow our courier and delivery systems to become a convenient channel for their illegal activities,” Abrahano said.

“Remain alert, follow established procedures, and immediately report anything suspicious. Your vigilance can help prevent a criminal operation and protect the public,” he added.