Reports reaching PDEA Director Anselmo Avenido showed that use of shabu remains to be prevalent in Metro Manila despite various operations by the local authorities. A gram of high-grade shabu now costs P2,000 to P3,000 per gram, authorities said.
Combined agents of the PDEA and the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group recovered at least 400 grams of shabu worth P800,000 during a buy-bust operation along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City.
Avenido said his men arrested on Wednesday night Salmix Alejandro, 23; Alinor Moamad, 24; and Asnor Moamad, 18; all students and residents of Al-Salam Compound, Culiat, Quezon City.
The three suspects, now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, were caught following reports that they were engaged in the illegal drug trade in the Muslim community.
Avenido said his men also confiscated a red Mitsubishi (WW-558) which the three men used in their drug pushing activities. The suspects are locked up at the detention cell of the PDEA Metro Manila Regional Office at Camp Crame.
PDEA agents also filed drug charges against Andres Torres and his wife Angelina after at least 85 grams of shabu were recovered during an operation from their house at Kalihum 2, Pandacan, Manila last Friday. Police also seized two pairs of scissors, aluminum foil and a burner used in the sniffing of shabu from the couple.
In another sting operation, operatives of the Special Enforcement Service and the K-9 unit of the PDEA arrested three persons and confiscated 30 grams of shabu and drug paraphernalia in a surprise raid on Big Horseshoe Drive in Quezon City.