Shabu worth P775.2M seized in Cavite; 3 suspects arrested

POLICE operatives seized 114 kilos of shabu worth P775.2 million from three suspected illegal drug dealers in Imus City, Cavite last Monday night.

The Calabarzon police regional office first arrested Larry Martin Didel, 33; and Jan Rey Estrella, 26, residents of Cavite who were described as “high-value targets” in the war against illegal drugs.

They were nabbed at 6:26 p.m. in a buy-bust operation conducted at Fairgrounds Vallejo Place Subdivision, Barangay Pasong Buaya II in Imus City.

Operatives of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) and other police units arrested the suspects shortly after they sold a kilo of shabu, worth P6.8 million, to poseur buyers.

A search led to the recovery of 109 more kilos of shabu worth P741.2 million.

At 9:58 p.m. also last Monday, police operatives also arrested another shabu dealer in Imus City. Seized from him were four kilos of shabu worth P27.2 million.

The suspect, Adie Batawan, 33, was nabbed in a similar buy-bust operation at Villa de Primarosa, Barangay Buhay na Tubig.

Batawan was apprehended after handing a kilo of shabu, worth P6.8 million, to poseur buyers.

Also recovered from him were three more kilos of shabu worth P20.4 million.

“This substantial drug haul is a testament to our relentless efforts to dismantle large-scale drug syndicates operating in our communities,” said PDEG director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta.

Matta said the successful operation sent a “clear message” that PDEG “remains fully committed to eradicating illegal drugs and ensuring that those who engage in this illicit trade are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the operation proves the police force is now focusing on high-value individuals in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Those (high-value targets) are what we want to hit…to prevent the spread of illegal drugs, especially in areas that are (severely) influenced by drugs,” said Fajardo.