P13.4 million shabu, marijuana seized

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected members of a drug ring led by a Chinese citizen were arrested after they were caught with P6.8 million worth of shabu in Imus City, Cavite yesterday.

Aina Maamor, 20; Sittie Pagayao, 30, and Michael Romualdez, 33, were arrested by agents of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) in Barangay Alapan II shortly after midnight.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the suspects get their supply of illegal drugs from a certain Jin Chi Chen, who is detained at Camp Bagong Diwa.

“The arrested suspects belong to a well-known drug syndicate in the area and distribute large volumes of drugs to their clients in Metro Manila and Calabarzon,” Sinas said.

He said the suspects were taken into custody after accepting P1.6 million in marked money from undercover agents in exchange for a kilo of shabu.

A Ford Escape, a Honda motorcycle and a cell phone were also reportedly recovered from the suspects.

In Nueva Ecija, 55 kilos of marijuana bricks worth P6.6 million were seized from Erwin Mariano, 21, in a drug bust in Barangay Tayabo, San Jose City, DEG director Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee said.

Lee said the suspect also yielded a .22-caliber revolver, 40 rounds of ammunition for a 9mm and a cell phone.

The suspects face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.