P863-M in shabu hidden inside tea packets seized, 3 Chinese nationals nabbed

Authorities on Sunday confiscated over P863 million worth of crystal methamphetamine or shabu hidden inside tea packets during an operation in Barangay San Bartolome in Novaliches, Quezon City.

According to Dano Tingcungco's report on "24 Oras Weekend," three Chinese nationals were also arrested in the operation.

More than 127 kilos of illegal drugs were seized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency from the suspects.

"Sila 'yong bodegero na tinatawag natin at sila na ngayon ang nagdi-distribute all over NCR. They are part of the transnational drug trafficking organization," PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva said.

Villanueva said operatives from PDEA, Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines had surveilled the area for over three months.

The suspects will face charges for drug sale and possession.

Meanwhile, another Chinese national was also arrested by authorities in Paso de Blas in Valenzuela City.

Over 15 kilos of shabu also hidden inside tea packets were seized from the suspect.

"We believe these groups are related to each other. Dito na namin nakikita main source ng drugs," Villanueva said. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News