P500k worth of shabu seized in Pangasinan

Authorities seized some P500,000 worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in Dagupan City in Pangasinan on Wednesday.

Police seized 36 sachets of suspected shabu after searching six houses in Barangays 1 and 2, GMA Dagupan reported Thursday.

Two suspects were arrested but denied involvement in drug transactions. Police said the area was believed used as a drug den.

"(I)ba-ibang modes yung nangyayari roon eh. Meron  yung courier sila na dinadala sa labas para i-deliver, meron ding mga instances na nakita natin dun na yung mga customer na pumupunta roon. Yung iba, gumagamit na dun," said city police head Superintendent Christopher Abrahano.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 1 coordinator Adrian Alvariño said their investigation showed the gang behind the suspected drug den would get drugs from Metro Manila.

"Kumbaga itong mga local distributors and then yung mga personalities na naaresto natin, mga members ng drug group," he said.

Binmaley

Meanwhile, in Binmaley town, local government, police and military officials are keeping tabs on a beach front in Barangay San Isidro.

They suspect the area is the center of illegal drugs trade, after sightings of several vehicles whose passengers may have engaged in drug transactions.

"May nagsabi sa akin na dun ang parang alam mo na, maybe drugs or what, transaction, galing sa ibang bayan. Doon sila dumadaan," Binmaley mayor Simplicio Rosario said.

Police said they will intensify anti-drug operations and keep watch over the beach front.

"Pinailawan, kasi madilim yung parte na yun eh. Pwedeng meron, pwedeng ibang klaseng galaw din yung ginagawa nila," said Binmaley police head Superintendent Monaliza Asis. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News