‘3 arrested suspects part of Metro Manila drug ring’

MANILA, Philippines — The three men who were caught with 50 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu valued at P340 million are likely members of a drug syndicate operating in Metro Manila, an official said yesterday.

Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, gave the assessment as he instructed investigators to dig deeper to identify the suspects’ cohorts.

“The suspects may be part of a large syndicate involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in Metro Manila,” he said in a statement.

Ramil Jose Ramos, Gibbrael Arcega and Mikkael Arcega were arrested in a sting in front of a gas station along Mindanao Avenue in Barangay Talipapa, Quezon City.

Ramos was taken to the East Avenue Medical Center for treatment of gunshot wounds after he allegedly engaged policemen in a shootout.

The suspects are facing charges of drug trafficking while Ramos was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm and violation of the election gun ban.