The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced on Saturday the arrest of a "big-time" drug peddler involved in the bulk distribution of various illegal drugs across Metro Manila and Pampanga. The suspect, identified as Anton, a 44-year-old native of Pampanga, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation on Friday evening.
Details of the Operation
The operation took place at approximately 7:10 p.m. in Barangay Don Bosco, Paranaque. Authorities seized one kilogram of shabu valued at PHP 6.8 million from the suspect. Additionally, PDEA operatives recovered two plastic bags containing an estimated 1,000 grams of the illegal substance, one smartphone, one digital weighing scale, and the marked money used by the undercover agent.
Suspect's Background
According to PDEA, Anton is a native of Pampanga and has a prior incarceration for drug-related cases. He is believed to be involved in the proliferation of assorted drugs, including shabu, ecstasy, and ketamine, in Metro Manila and Pampanga. The agency noted that it took operatives three weeks to secure a drug deal with him.
Legal Actions
The suspect is currently detained at the PDEA-3 facility. The confiscated illegal substances will undergo qualitative and quantitative analysis. Charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against Anton.
PDEA continues its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, targeting high-value individuals involved in the drug trade to curb the proliferation of narcotics in the country.
