Samar cops seize drugs record haul of P500m in checkpoint

October 18, 2019

Around P500 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in a checkpoint in Gandara, Samar which is the biggest haul in Eastern Visayas last Thursday.

In a press conference, Police Brigadier General Dionardo Carlos, Eastern Visayas regional director, said operatives from Samar Provincial Police Office intercepted two vehicles around 4:30 pm along the national highway of Barangay Buñagan in Gandara.

"During police checkpoint (we) were able to intercept two vehicles. The vehicles were boarded with six passengers carrying these suspected shabu placed in plastic bags," he said.

Authorities discovered 44 packs of suspected illegal drugs or shabu with an estimated weight of 88 kilos worth P598 million.

Carlos said the recovery of illegal drugs stemmed from a previous incident.

He said last August, around P9.5 million worth of illegal drugs were recovered.

  "We looked at the packaging, how it is supplied. From there, our Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) sent an alarm to our line units," said Carlos.

  Carlos said through their intelligence work, they managed to monitor movement of illegal drugs in the province.

  Though six persons were arrested, Carlos said they have yet to identify the group behind delivering illegal drugs. The suspects denied they were carrying illegal substances.

"The final destination (of illegal drugs) is still unknown... our efforts are ongoing (to identified who is behind the shipment). We will dig deeper on why they are the one who transported (the illegal drugs)," he said. Suspects will face charges of possession of illegal drugs. Ella Dionisio/DMS