P174 million shabu seized from 3 siblings in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines — At least 25.7 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu valued at P174.76 million were confiscated during a sting in Caloocan City yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the drugs were seized from three siblings in Barangay 188 at around 7:30 a.m.

Sinas identified the suspects as Kalif, 24, and his sister Akisah, 18, both surnamed Latif, and their 14-year-old brother.

According to Sinas, Kalif is included in the drugs watchlist of the local police, running drug trafficking activities in their community together with his younger siblings.

The drugs, concealed in 44 Chinese tega bags with markings “Qing Shan,” were recovered from the suspects after they transacted with undercover police officers.

The boy was turned over to the city’s social welfare and development office while his elder siblings are being held on charges of drug trafficking.

Sinas ordered other police units in Metro Manila to mount more aggressive and intensified operations against drug personalities.

Ex-cop nabbed with P.5 million drugs

Also in Caloocan, a former police officer who went absent without leave in 2015 was arrested in a sting launched by the Northern Police District (NPD) in Caloocan on Thursday.

Former corporal Freddielin Alayon, reported to be a high-value drug target, and his companion Romely Gonzaga were arrested in separate stings in Barangay 113.

Alayon, last assigned to the National Capital Region Police Office, was charged with robbery-extortion in 2012, according to NPD drug enforcement unit chief Capt. Ramon Aquiatan Jr.

At least 80 grams of shabu worth P544,000 were confiscated from the suspects.

Their alleged supplier, Ruel Sangines, was arrested in Bagong Barrio West, Caloocan in a follow-up operation at past midnight on Friday. At least 100 grams of shabu worth P680,000 were confiscated from the suspect.— Marc Jayson Cayabyab