Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested Nigerian and African nationals and seized up to P68 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Quezon City yesterday morning.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino identified the two foreign nationals, Lawrence Ikegwuruka, 37, Nigerian national and Michella Augustin Tsimaluto, 23, African national, who were at 10 am on Roces Avenue in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City.
According to PDEA agent Freddie Banagao, they received a ‘tip’ regarding the alleged selling of illegal drugs, so they immediately organized a buy-bust against the suspects.
An agent negotiated with the suspects until they agreed to meet in the said place. While the foreign nationals and the agent were exchanging shabu and money, other PDEA agents showed up and arrested the suspects.
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PDEA seized P68-M shabu from Nigerian, African nationals
Authorities seized 10 kilograms of shabu worth P68 million from the foreigners. Police are still investigating what syndicate the suspects belong with.
The arrested Nigerian and African nationals vehemently denied that the drug was theirs.
The two foreigners are now being detained at PDEA headquarters. At the same time, violation of Section 5 (Sale of Illegal Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 charges were being prepared against them.