Authorities arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized more than ₱4.35 million worth of suspected illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation inside a condominium along Malugay Street in Barangay San Antonio, Makati City early Thursday.
The Makati City Police said the operation was conducted by the Makati Police Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “James,” was arrested after allegedly selling ₱100,000 worth of suspected Marijuana Kush to an undercover police officer.
Police said the operation stemmed from surveillance and verification activities that confirmed the suspect’s alleged involvement in illegal drug transactions.
Seized during the operation were 19 vacuum-sealed bags of suspected Marijuana Kush, 710 tablets of suspected Ecstasy, vape cartridges containing suspected marijuana oil, several packets of suspected cocaine, a bag of suspected ketamine, a digital weighing scale, buy-bust money and other items allegedly used in drug transactions.
Authorities estimated the seized drugs at ₱4.35 million. The haul included around 1.4 kilograms of suspected Marijuana Kush valued at ₱2.1 million, 710 Ecstasy tablets worth ₱1.207 million, marijuana oil vape cartridges worth ₱135,000, 100 grams of suspected cocaine worth ₱530,000 and 40 grams of suspected ketamine worth ₱378,000.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and taken into police custody for documentation and proper disposition.
Police said charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for filing before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Makati City Police Chief Col. Pedro Alagano Jr. said the operation reflects the city police’s continuing intelligence-driven campaign against illegal drugs.
“The success of this operation sends a strong message that no one is above the law,” Alagano said.
He said anti-drug operations in Makati will continue “without fear or favor” to help keep the city safe from illegal drugs.