Ex-drug buster, Chinese citizen arrested in Manila drug raid

MANILA, Philippines — A former anti-narcotics officer and a Chinese citizen were arrested Thursday during a drug raid in the Philippine capital that yielded $6.7 million worth of high-grade crystal methamphetamine, officials said.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and police officials said they confiscated 64 kilograms (141 pounds) of crystal meth, also known as "shabu," during the raid on a Manila town house that turned out to be a clandestine drug laboratory.

Both suspects were in the house when it was raided. One, marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino, had led several large drug busts as former head of the drug enforcement agency's special enforcement service. He denied any links to drug syndicates, telling reporters he was on a legitimate intelligence mission.

The Chinese suspect, identified as Yan Yi Shou, said he worked as an interpreter for the special enforcement service when it was headed by Marcelino, officials said.

PDEA chairman Arturo G. Cacdac Jr. ordered a full investigation of Marcelino, who he said "was not really on our radar." Agency operatives said they were surprised to find Marcelino inside the raided house.

Marcelino, who had assumed a job as superintendent of a navy officer training school only on Monday, previously worked with the armed forces' intelligence service.

Cacdac said 64 wooden drums containing an unknown substance presumed to be illegal drugs were confiscated and five people including another Chinese citizen were taken into custody during a follow-up raid at a compound in suburban Valenzuela city.