Latest news with #PDEA
GMA Network
7 days ago
- GMA Network
Customs seizes P749M shabu concealed in balikbayan boxes
Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a shipment found to contain illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). On Thursday, July 17, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of the shipment, which was seized following an inspection which uncovered 110.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu concealed within four boxes, with an estimated value of P749.63 million. Samples from the shipment in question were submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing, which later confirmed that the recovered substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride. The BOC said the seized shipment will be turned over to the PDEA for further investigation in relation to violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. For his part, MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba cited cooperation among the agency's enforcement units, noting that the operation reflected the effectiveness of strengthened profiling measures and inter-agency coordination. Nepomuceno, likewise, said the Customs will remain unyielding in its campaign against drug smuggling. 'We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people,' said Nepomuceno. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-07-2025
- GMA Network
57 Pangasinan fishermen commended for reporting P6.5B 'floating shabu'
A total of 57 fishermen from the towns of Bolinao, Agno, and Bani in Pangasinan were recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for surrendering blocks of suspected "floating shabu" found at sea earlier this June 2025. The drugs were discovered between June 5 and June 8, with a total of over 900 kilograms of shabu turned over to authorities. The illegal drugs were estimated to be worth more than P6.5 billion. PDEA praised the fishermen for their courage and honesty. They described their actions as a strong example in the agency's continuing campaign against illegal drugs. As a token of appreciation, the fishermen received grocery items and a cash incentive from the provincial government.
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- GMA Network
Man on probation nabbed in South Cotabato drug bust
A 28-year-old man on probation was arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation in Polomolok, South Cotabato. According to the report of GMA Regional TV's Efren Mamac in '24 Oras' on Tuesday, the 28-year-old suspect tried to evade authorities as he was caught on camera speeding away in a white SUV. During his attempt to flee, the suspect hit a tricycle and tried to reverse his vehicle. Cops then shot at his wheels, the report added. 'Nung nalaman niyang operatiba pala o isang pulis ang kanyang katransakyon, pinilit niyang makasibat sa pagkakaaresto ng mga pulis,' said Polomolok Municipal Police Station chief Police Lt. Colonel Harold Cornel. (When he found out that he was transacting with a police officer, he tried to evade arrest.) The police seized 38 grams or P300,000 worth of shabu during the operation. 'He was previously arrested po ng PDEA and he is now on probation dahil nga po sa plea bargaining, kalalabas niya lang this February. Pagkalabas niya ng February, na-monitor po siya agad ng ating mga operatiba na ayun pong kanyang illegal transactions ay pinagpatuloy niya,' said Cornel. (He was previously arrested by the PDEA and he is now on probation because of a plea bargaining agreement. He was released last February. But our operatives monitored that he still continued his illegal transactions.) The suspect declined to comment on the matter. He is now facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and for reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- GMA Network
2 Pinoys from Canada nabbed at NAIA with P300-M shabu in luggage
More than P300 million worth of shabu was seized from the luggage of two Filipino travelers from Canada who arrived Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on separate flights. According to Marisol Abduhraman's report on 24 Oras on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP) said a male Filipino passenger first arrived in Manila from a connecting flight in Hong Kong. An estimated 20 kilograms of shabu valued at P140 million was found in his luggage. Meanwhile, a Filipino female traveler arrived in the afternoon with 24.2 kg or P164.7 million worth of shabu discovered in her belongings. Authorities are now investigating if the two travelers are related to each other as the packaging of the shabu confiscated from them have the same packaging. Asked if the suspects are connected with each another, PNP AVSEGROUP director Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy said, "There is a possibility. That is the angle that we are looking into." "Pareho silang nanggaling sa Canada. Iniimbestigahan natin ngayon kung ano 'yung relationship ng dalawa, kung saan sila dumaan," said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) spokesperson Joseph Frederick Calulut. (They both came from Canada. We are now investigating their relationship with each other and where they passed through.) The PDEA has yet to determine the origin of the drugs and the people behind them. Investigation is still ongoing. Further, the two suspects now face complaints for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. GMA Integrated News is seeking comment from the suspects' camps regarding the matter. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
15-07-2025
- GMA Network
62-year-old Canadian woman who tried to smuggle shabu undergoes inquest
The 62-year-old Canadian citizen who was arrested for trying to smuggle shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) underwent inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). PDEA said the woman, identified only as 'Grace', underwent inquest for violation of Section 5, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. According to the agency, Grace was arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 with 24 kilograms of suspected shabu on July 14, Monday. Authorities found multiple foil-wrapped transparent plastic packages hidden in large garbage bags inside Grace's luggage. The PDEA said that initial field testing confirmed the substance to be shabu. However, samples were turned over to the PDEA Laboratory Service for confirmation. Authorities also retrieved a Canadian passport, two airline boarding passes, a mobile phone, an identification card, and a baggage declaration form. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RF, GMA Integrated News
