QC cops seize P1.6 million worth of marijuana

November 8, 2019

The acting director of the Quezon City Police District on Friday said they were able to seize around P1.6 million worth of marijuana during a buy-bust operation.

In a press briefing, Police Colonel Ronnie Montejo identified the suspects as John Paulo Flores alias Sindi, 29; Ryan Erpelo, 29; and Kees Van Paul Lorenzo, 34.

Montejo said operatives from Police Station 10 in coordination with Police Station 4 conducted a buy-bust operation around 8:40 pm, in front of a fast food store along Susana Road, Barangay Novaliches Proper in Novaliches. .

"They were able to arrest three suspects during the buy bust operation," he said.

He said a confidential informant tipped off police that suspects were selling their illegal items using a group chat on Facebook messenger. 

After validation of the report, an anti-drug operative posed as buyer and agreed to buy marijuana worth P 40,000 from the suspects. 

Authorities were able to confiscate two bricks and one ziplock containing dried marijuana leaves worth P 240,000; a cellular phone, and a motorcycle.

"During the conduct of tactical interrogation, the suspect admitted he still has marijuana that's why our operatives went there particularly on his vehicle," Montejo said.

After Lopez's confession, a follow-up operation was conducted around 2:19 am at his house located at Maximo Drive, Barangay San Agustin in Novaliches which led to the confiscation of around 12 kilos of dried marijuana worth P 1,440,000.

Montejo said illegal drugs were found inside Lopez's vehicle with a small bottle containing undetermined quantity of marijuana oil.

The QCPD director said it is the first time he saw that kind of packaging.

"Usually it was placed in a triangle-shaped (container)... it's in different form. Meaning, they level up in terms of packaging," he said.

Montejo said one of the target buyers of the suspects were students but he did not disclose on who and where the illegal drugs came from.

"But they distribute not only in Quezon City but also in other areas in Metro Manila," he said.

Arrested suspects will face charges of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Ella Dionisio/DMS