Over P13-B 'shabu' seized in Batangas

Authorities on Monday seized around two tons of shabu in Alitagtag, Batangas worth over P13.3 billion, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said.

Abalos said the confiscated items may be the "biggest" drug haul in the country.

“Nandito kami ngayon para i-announce na ito na siguro ay makasaysayang pinakamalaking huling droga sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa,” Abalos said.

(We are here to announce that this may be a historic, biggest haul of illegal drugs in the country.)

“Ang mga nahuling droga ay more or less, ayon sa estimate ng PDEA, higit kumulang mga dalawang tonelada. At ito ay more or less nagkakahalagang mga P13.3 billion based on standard drug price,” he added.

(The confiscated drugs are more or less, according to PDEA's estimate, about two tons. And it is  worth around P13.3 billion based on the standard drug price.)

Alitagtag Municipal Police Station conducted an intelligence-driven checkpoint in Barangay Pinagkurusan around 8 a.m. and seized the illegal drugs.

According to Abalos, a male suspect was arrested and placed under the custody of authorities.

He will face charges for violation of the Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Abalos said he informed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. about the confiscation and the chief executive was happy and proud about the accomplishment.—LDF, GMA Integrated News