MALACANANG yesterday directed law enforcement agencies to relentlessly pursue those involved in the illegal drug production and operation near the Palace, vowing that “no corner” of the country would be used as a refuge for the producers and distributors of illegal substances.
The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES), meanwhile, lauded the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Presidential Security Command (PSC), the Presidential Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the local police for the apprehension of a suspected drug pusher and the seizure of drug-related paraphernalia in San Miguel, Manila last October 16.
In a statement, the NBI said its Dangerous Drugs Division arrested Edgar Ventura, alias “Face,” in the operation that resulted in the seizure of nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected illegal drugs, and other drug paraphernalia.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the operation stemmed from information they received that Ventura and a certain Francisco Soriano Jr., alias “Face,” were engaged in selling dangerous drugs, particularly shabu, and maintaining a drug den inside the Malacañang Complex.
Pursuit operations are ongoing against Soriano, alias “Juntot.”
Ventura will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“We call on law enforcement to relentlessly pursue the capture of his accomplices, who remain at large. Moreover, we ask for the full cooperation of all citizens in this ongoing investigation. This successful operation underscores the unyielding resolve of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration, towards eradicating the plague of illegal drugs in our country,” the OES said in a statement.
It added that the administration would not allow any part of the country to be used for the production and distribution of illegal drugs.
“Let it be known: no corner of this land, no matter how remote or concealed, will serve as a refuge for the producers and distributors of these lethal substances. The full, unforgiving weight of the law will always descend upon them,” the OES said.
Santiago said after a series of test buys that confirmed the illicit activity, an operation was hatched by NBI- DDD operatives.
“On October 16, 2024, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the local police, DDD and PSG operatives implemented the search warrant issued by RTC Branch 37, Manila in the premises of Francisco Soriano Jr and alias “Face” located at 946 Nicanor Padilla St., San Miguel, Manila,” Santiago said. – With Ashzel Hachero
He said 15 other individuals present inside the raided premises were also invited to the NBI-DDD office for drug tests.
