MANILA -- Authorities arrested two college students and seized PHP1.5 million worth of ecstasy tablets in Makati City on Monday morning.
National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, identified the suspects as Adriel Ryoichi Temporosa Suzuki, 24, of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde Manila, and Ralph Jeffrey Tulio Esteban, 23, of De La Salle University, who were arrested at Unit 736 Cityland 9 Condominium, Dela Rosa St., Barangay Pio Del Pilar at around 7 a.m.
According to Eleazar, the police operation stemmed after a Grab delivery driver -- who asked not to be named -- turned over seven tablets of ecstasy to the Makati police, which the suspects asked him to deliver to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
He did not name the receiver of the illegal drugs and the exact location the tablets would be delivered.
In response, the Makati police’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) conducted a follow-up operation at the condominium, which resulted in the arrest of the two suspects.
Seized from the suspects were 657 tablets of ecstasy, two bottles containing ecstasy, 42 tablets of suspected party drugs, six sachets of suspected party drugs, two digital scales, four lighters, 13 empty cigarette boxes, a glass tube, and a cellphone.
Police said the suspects are using delivery men by booking them through mobile applications to deliver illegal drugs to clubs.
The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, Eleazar lauded the delivery driver as he reported to the police station a suspicious item.
The Metro Manila top cop called on the general public to help and cooperate with the authorities by reporting information that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of those involved in various criminal activities.
“We will not allow those who seek to sow terror in our communities. We will arrests those who defy the law and commit atrocities against the people and bring them to the bar of justice and make them accountable for their crime," Eleazar said. (PNA)
