Authorities conducted a buy-bust operation in Villa de Calamba, Barangay La Mesa in Calamba, Laguna that resulted in the arrest of two Indian nationals and the seizure of an estimated 44 kilos of suspected cocaine worth approximately P233.2 million. According to the report, the suspects were caught while actually selling the illegal drugs.
The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in collaboration with their regional and provincial units and the local police of Calamba. The two foreign businessmen were successfully arrested after careful coordination and surveillance by the operatives.
Seized during the operation were two rectangular improvised packs containing one kilo each of suspected cocaine intended for sale. Also discovered inside a box were an additional 42 one-kilo packages, believed to be the same illegal substance. In addition, a P500 marked money, 16 bundles of boodle money, a brown paper bag, a smartphone, and the suspects' passports as part of the evidence.
The arrested individuals will be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) relating to the sale and possession of illegal drugs. The seized substances will be submitted to the PDEA Laboratory Service for thorough analysis and confirmation. Authorities continue to intensify their campaign against illegal drugs as part of the broader anti-drug operations in the country.
