Nine people have been arrested for allegedly selling illegal drugs and for keeping drugs dens right inside the Malacañang Complex in Manila. Yes, where Malacañang Palace, the presidential office and official residence, is located.
The suspects were presented to the media today by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which arrested the suspects during a buy-bust operation on Friday last week and on Monday.
The NBI identified the suspects as Rolando Laya, Bryan Jason Batrina, Melvin Santiago, Freddie Nacion Jr., Esperanza Pido, Joan Garcia, Ronnie Lao, Sulpicio Cassiler Jr., and Leonardo Asa, reported the Manila Bulletin.
Laya, Santiago, and Batrina were arrested inside the complex on Friday last week after the Presidential Security Group (PSG), which is tasked with keeping President Rodrigo Duterte safe, reported to the NBI that the suspects were selling shabu (methamphetamine) inside, reported The Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The PSG and the NBI later learned through surveillance operations that there were other suspects involved in the alleged drug ring, which led the latter to arrest Nacion., Pido, and Garcia in Barangay (village) 662 in Paco, Manila on Monday. On the same day, the NBI arrested Lao at his home in Barangay 831, also in Paco. He was caught together with Cassiler Jr. and Asa, whom authorities alleged were in the middle of a pot session shortly before they were arrested.
Sachets of shabu were allegedly seized from the suspects, who all allegedly tested positive for drugs, reported CNN Philippines. The NBI alleged that based on their surveillance operations, all suspects kept drug dens — or areas where people go to use drugs — inside the complex.
All suspects will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Lao will also be charged with illegal possession of firearms for an unlicensed pistol found in his home.
Duterte is known for waging an anti-drug campaign that has left thousands of suspects dead.
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