Two drug offenders get life terms in separate Metro Manila cases

Two individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment in separate drug trafficking cases involving nearly five kilograms of shabu worth a combined P33.76 million, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced Wednesday.

In a 40-page decision dated 15 September 2026, the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 259 found Anthony Reyes y Trinidad, alias “Kuya,” guilty beyond reasonable doubt of selling dangerous drugs in violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Reyes was sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P1 million.

His conviction stemmed from a buy-bust operation conducted by PDEA Central Luzon operatives on 8 May 2026 at a hotel along Doña Soledad Avenue in Barangay Don Bosco, Parañaque City.

Authorities seized 994.3 grams of shabu with an estimated market value of P6.76 million.

In a separate case, the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 297 sentenced Arlene Angeles y Labajo to life imprisonment for importing nearly four kilograms of shabu worth P27 million.

The court, in a 21-page decision dated 14 October, found Angeles guilty of violating Section 4, Article II of RA 9165 and imposed a P1-million fine.

Angeles was arrested on 14 June 2025 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Drug interdiction operatives discovered 3,970.6 grams of shabu in her possession.

PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez welcomed both convictions, emphasizing the importance of properly documenting evidence and pursuing criminal cases through the courts.

“An arrest is only the beginning of the process. Our responsibility is to ensure that evidence is properly documented, cases are thoroughly prepared, and those found guilty by the courts are held accountable under the law,” Nerez said.

He reaffirmed the agency's commitment to strengthening drug interdiction operations and pursuing cases against suspected traffickers while respecting due process.