Major Drug Bust in CAMANAVA: Suspects in Custody

The primary suspect in the operation was a Chinese national, as confirmed by authorities. He was identified as the individual from whom the police sourced and placed orders for 200 grams of illegal drugs, according to Ligan.

The suspect has reportedly been in the Philippines for a long time, as evidenced by his ability to speak Tagalog. The address provided during the investigation indicated Zambales as his residence, although it was revealed that he and his partner were staying in Navotas at the time, Ligan added.

Authorities are investigating the source of the illegal drugs supplied by the suspects. The live-in couple is alleged to be the primary supplier of drugs confiscated during various anti-drug operations conducted by the Northern Police District (NPD).

Custodial debriefings are ongoing to gather more information for future operations. According to Ligan, the suspect has a trusted market in Navotas and has been previously linked to similar cases through earlier arrests.

The illegal drugs, specifically shabu, were distributed in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela (collectively known as the CAMANAVA area), as stated by Navotas Police Chief, Police Colonel Mario Cortes. He emphasized that if the operation had not succeeded, the drugs would have been distributed to neighboring areas. Initial investigations also suggested that the drugs were locally manufactured.

One of the suspects is considered a high-value individual due to the more than two kilograms of illegal drugs intended for distribution within the CAMANAVA area. It was also revealed that his partner, a Filipina from Luzon, actively participated in marketing the drugs in the region, Cortes added.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Navotas City Police and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.