Authorities arrested a Nigerian national during an anti-drug operation where P6.8 million worth of shabu was seized in Bacoor City, Cavite, Wednesday.
According to a report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to Director-General Wilkins Villanueva on Thursday, PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon identified the suspect as Ifeani Ukoji, 36, who was a resident at Barangay Mambog III, Bacoor City.
The local police and PDEA agents launched the operation and caught the Nigerian national at a fast-food chain parking lot along Molino Blvd. in Barangay Talaba IV at around 11:30 am.
The police operatives seized more or less 1,000 grams of suspected shabu and buy-bust money from the foreigner.
Ukoji would be facing charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA Region 4-A Office, PDEA Cavite, PDEA Quezon, Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 4-A Intelligence Division, PNP Regional Enforcement Unit, and Bacoor Police Station conducted the joint operation.
In February, the 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.
Last month, a Nigerian was also arrested after a woman, whom he made fall in love with him, complained, saying he asked her for a large of money to release the package allegedly containing $30,000 he sent her.
Barangay in Bacolod under lockdown due to new COVID-19 cases
The area of Barangay 18 in Bacolod city was closed to the public on Wednesday night alongside with the disinfection implemented in the area.
According to councilor Jonathan Diaz, two hospital personnel – a technologist and a nurse – tested positive for COVID-19 in the said barangay.
The barangay is already looking for a way to assist about 109 families affected by the lockdown.
The two hospital personnel are among 7 additional COVID- 19 cases in Bacolod.
Apart from the two, a male hospital personnel and two other co-workers who were also staying at a boarding house in Barangay 18 also tested positive for COVID-19.
A university dean in the city was also among those infected with COVID-19 in the area.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental has 22 new coronavirus cases.
According to the Department of Health-Region 6, the additional cases in Negros Occidental and Bacolod are among the 100 local cases in Western Visayas.