Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units nationwide to maintain heightened vigilance following separate operations in Pampanga, Cagayan de Oro City, and Batangas that resulted in foreign national arrests and the seizure of P81.6 million worth of illegal drugs.
The police chief highlighted the imperative for swift enforcement operations and proper procedural documentation following anti-illegal drug and counter-smuggling busts.
”We should not be complacent. When there is credible information and an opportunity to stop illegal drugs from reaching more people, our units must act promptly and within the law,” Nartatez said.
”At the same time, we make sure that every operation is properly documented and that the rights of those involved are respected,” Nartatez also said.
The directives followed a buy-bust operation conducted by PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, which led to the arrest of two South Korean nationals and the confiscation of 200 grams of ketamine valued at P1 million along with buy-bust money and non-drug evidence.
In a separate operation in Cagayan de Oro City, operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a Chinese businessman in Barangay Bulua for trading counterfeit food seasoning, confiscating 160 boxes of counterfeit Magic Sarap product valued at P896,000.
The CIDG emphasized the consumer safety risks associated with unvetted goods, stating that fake consumer items bypass health and sanitary evaluations, presenting serious risks to public health and food safety.
Meanwhile, joint maritime interdiction efforts between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and PDEA at Batangas Port in Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City, resulted in the seizure of 12 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P81.6 million and the arrest of four male individuals aged 18, 29, 30, and 41.
Law enforcers also impounded a vehicle, mobile phones, identification cards, and financial records used by the suspects, with the PCG affirming its commitment to sustain inter-agency coordination with PDEA to block drug transportation across regional maritime routes and seaports.