Police arrested 11 Chinese nationals and a Filipino, and seized almost P300,000 worth of suspected shabu in two separate operations in Manila and Paranaque City.
Nine of the suspects were identified as Huang Kang Chen, 26; Pou Di Zhu, 28; Liuhan Yang, 24; Hai Yang, 24; Hou Yaqiang, 31; Tang Shaohua, 29; Liu Ji Jang, 29; all employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO); Li Jun, 26; and Ranica Fermiz, 24, a resident of Malate, Manila.
Investigation showed that Mark King Elevia, a Lalamove partner rider, sought police assistance after he was hired to deliver a package with a hidden sachet of suspected shabu from Alabang, Muntinlupa Monday morning.
Elements of the Ermita Police Station accompanied Elevia in delivering the package to the suspects at a hotel in Ermita, Manila, where the Chinese nationals were temporarily lodging.
The suspects were arrested after they were allegedly caught in the middle of a pot session.
Around 16 grams of suspected shabu worth about P108,800 and a .38-caliber revolver with signature and five live ammunition were recovered from the suspects, police said.
Meanwhile, Wu De Qing, 25; Sui Xiao Chong, 25; and Lin Long Peng, 23, were nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Parañaque City Tuesday.
Members of the Ermita Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the sting after receiving information that the three are alleged drug peddlers.
The three Chinese nationals were collared after selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 to a poseur buyer.
Police said three sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 25 grams with an estimated value of P170,000, drug paraphernalia, three cellphones, and the marked money were confiscated from the suspects.
The seized pieces of evidence were brought to the Manila Police District Crime Laboratory Office for laboratory examination.
The suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and other appropriate charges. (Minka Tiangco)
