MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — A 22-year-old courier driver allegedly involved in the large-scale distribution of illegal drugs in Metro Manila and Central Luzon was arrested in a buy-bust operation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at Php3.4 million on Friday night, August 21.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 3 identified the suspect only by the alias “Haji,” who was arrested at around 8 p.m. along Dau Access Road in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.

According to PDEA, the suspect was considered a big-time drug pusher allegedly involved in the distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, across Metro Manila and parts of Central Luzon.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly used his work as a courier driver to camouflage his illegal drug activities.

Operatives recovered approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu packed in five knot-tied transparent plastic bags. The marked money used in the buy-bust transaction was also recovered during the operation.

The operation was carried out through the joint efforts of the PDEA Region 3 Special Enforcement Team (PDEA-3 RSET), the PDEA Pampanga Provincial Office, and the Mabalacat City Police Station.

The arrested suspect will be temporarily detained at the PDEA Region 3 Jail Facility, while the confiscated suspected illegal drugs will undergo forensic and confirmatory examination at the PDEA Regional Office 3 Laboratory.

Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale of dangerous drugs. (Jason de Asis)

📸PHP3.4 MILLION WORTH OF SHABU SEIZED IN PAMPANGA STING A 22-year-old courier driver was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, where authorities seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP3.4 million. Authorities said the suspect allegedly used his job as a courier driver to conceal his illegal drug activities and was believed to be involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in Metro Manila and Central Luzon. The operation was carried out by PDEA Region 3 and partner law enforcement units. (Photos courtesy of PDEA Region III via Jason de Asis)