44 kilos of weed seized in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-four kilos of marijuana valued at P5.28 million were confiscated by anti-narcotics agents in Sampaloc, Manila on Saturday.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the illegal drugs were recovered from a 40-year-old man who was arrested in Barangay 513 at around 12:20 a.m.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the suspect, whom he did not identify, negotiated a deal with police officers posing as buyers for the sale of marijuana.

The suspect concealed the contraband in a yellow sack labeled as premium starter feeds.

After he accepted bundles of marked money, police took the suspect into custody.

Probers said the suspect, a resident of Sampaloc, is a high-value target in the illegal drug trade in Metro Manila.

“Our fight against illegal drugs will continue to be intelligence-based, highly analytical and community-based with the end goal of hitting the sources and cutting off the supply routes,” Aberin said in a statement.

Complaints for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, were filed against the suspect.

In Navotas City, an estimated P3.569 million of shabu was confiscated on Saturday night.

Anti-narcotics officers apprehended the suspect known only as alias Eman, 46, believed to be a shabu dealer, in Barangay Bangkulasi at around 10:35 p.m.

The suspect did not resist when police handcuffed him.