Authorities arrested five family members during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tikay, Malolos, Bulacan where they were allegedly running an illegal drug trade disguised as a dried fruit business.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized seven kilos of shabu worth P47.6 million hidden in foil packages labeled with Chinese characters and dried fruit branding.

One of the women arrested was jailed previously for drug-related charges. PDEA surveillance revealed that she had returned to illegal activities, which prompted the operation.

“Napansin natin na bumabalik sa kaniyang dating gawain at upon surveillance nakita natin na malaki pa rin 'yung galaw niya. So doon nagsimula talaga 'yung pagkasa natin ng buy-bust operation,” Arvin Targa, PDEA NCR Public Information Officer said.

Investigators found that the suspects’ drug operations covered Bulacan, Valenzuela, Malabon, and Navotas.

Authorities believe the trade was a family-run business, and involved even a suspect’s girlfriend.

“Base nga sa aming pag-iimbestiga, magkakamag-anak ang mga ito. Gayundin ‘yung nobya nung isa sa mga suspek. So technically, hindi sila basta small-time lang na gumagamit... isa sila sa pinagmumulan ng droga doon sa area,” Targa said.

The suspects are now detained at the PDEA headquarters and face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Authorities continue their investigation to trace other possible links to their illegal operations.