MANILA – The Taguig City government lauded the Taguig Police for its buy-bust that led to the seizure of over PHP20 million worth of shabu.
The local government also hailed the arrest of Patrick Ace Tinga, 24, a notorious member of the Tinga Drug Syndicate during the operation in Barangay Ususan on Wednesday.
Others arrested were Tom Jovy Cruz, 30; Elmer Bautista, 34; Wenston Ray Lopez, 20; Jessie Aviles, 24; Jomari Lopez, 19; Chris Klein Lopena, 19; Adrian dela Cruz, 22; John Paul Esteban, 26; and John Christian Roxas, 34 while two minors were rescued.
Apart from the three kilograms of shabu worth PHP20.4 million, seized from the group were 41.7 grams of marijuana worth PHP50,040; three digital weighing scales; two keypad cellphones; one eco bag; PHP8,000 in different denominations; and two PHP200 bills with dusting powder from the Southern Police District Crime Lab. The police also recovered a blue book of clients and buyers.
Mayor Lino Cayetano said the arrest of drug suspects and seizure of illegal drugs are proof of Taguig's commitment to the war on drugs even amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We vowed to keep Taguigeños safe. That means we will do whatever is necessary that is allowed by the law to protect them not just from Covid-19 but from illegal drugs and criminality as well," he said in a press release issued on Thursday.
He said the city government would continue to support the local police, as they continue to enforce laws and arrest those violating them.
"We are a peace-loving people. Anyone who attempts to disrupt our peace is not welcome here," he said.
He said Taguig has been very aggressive in its campaign against illegal drugs.
In 2016, Tinga Drug Syndicate members Joel Tinga and Elisa Tinga were sentenced to reclusion perpetua for selling illegal drugs.
The Taguig government also implements a one-strike policy against business establishments allowing customers to use illegal drugs. Under the policy, the city government immediately revokes the business permits of violating establishments.
The local government also has programs to help rehabilitate drug users. The Taguig Anti-Drug Abuse Council's two-month program aims to reintegrate them as productive members of society. (PR)
