Undercover op nabs alleged drug distributor; found in possession of illegal drug inside tea bags

• Authorities in Pasig City arrested a 25-year-old man, alias "Nader," confiscating approximately 3.2 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of over P20 million

• The significant drug haul was discovered after "Nader" allegedly met with an undercover operative, with the illegal substance cleverly concealed inside tea bags

• Police believe "Nader" operates a drug distribution network extending to nearby areas like Taguig, Taytay, and Cainta, and he has a prior record for illegal possession of firearms

• The suspect is currently detained and will be formally charged under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug5 Act, following inquest proceedings

Authorities in Pasig City have arrested a man found in possession of approximately P20 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as "shabu," cunningly concealed within tea bags.

The significant drug seizure occurred late Wednesday night in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, marking a notable bust by local anti-narcotics operatives.

The suspect, identified by his alias "Nader" and aged 25, was apprehended by police along Kenneth Road around 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

According to reports from the Pasig City Police, the arrest was the culmination of a targeted operation that leveraged an undercover operative, referred to by authorities as an "action agent."

Police Colonel Hendrix Mangaldan, the Chief of Pasig Police, detailed the operation's mechanics.

"His modus operandi involves meet-ups," Colonel Mangaldan explained. "So, an action agent managed to purchase 100 grams of shabu from him. After his apprehension and the subsequent search, he was found to be carrying an additional three kilograms of shabu. It was placed inside a bag, further wrapped in tea bags." The total confiscated illegal substance is estimated at 3.2 kilograms.

The method of concealment—using seemingly innocuous tea bags—is a tactic often employed by drug traffickers in an attempt to evade detection during transit or transactions.

This particular discovery underscores the evolving methods utilized by those involved in the illegal drug trade to disguise their illicit cargo.

Investigators believe that "Nader" operates a distribution network that extends beyond Pasig City, reaching into neighboring areas such as Taguig, Taytay, and Cainta in Rizal province.

Police are actively looking into whether the suspect is an integral part of a larger syndicate responsible for distributing illegal drug5 across Pasig City and its adjacent municipalities.

Upon his arrest, "Nader" opted to reserve his statements for official court proceedings, simply reiterating, "I will speak in court. I cannot say anything yet. Only in court."

Further background checks by law enforcement revealed that the suspect is not new to legal entanglements; police records indicate he was previously incarcerated for offenses related to illegal possession of firearms.

As of Thursday, July 17, the suspect remains detained at the Pasig City Police Headquarters. He is scheduled for inquest proceedings, where he will face formal charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug5 Act of 2002.

This legislation carries severe penalties for drug-related offenses, particularly for the possession of large quantities of illegal substances.

The successful operation highlights the relentless efforts of anti-narcotics units in Metro Manila to curb the distribution of illegal drug5 and dismantle clandestine networks operating within the capital region.

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In other news, jewelry worth ₱500,000, including a newlywed couple's wedding rings, went missing at NAIA Terminal 3 and was later recovered. Passenger Kimberly Nakamura discovered her jewelry box missing upon arriving in Singapore and returned to Manila to investigate. CCTV footage showed airline staff handling the box, with some allegedly trying on the rings and failing to report the item to authorities. The jewelry was returned after Nakamura threatened legal action; however, MIAA confirmed the investigation will continue due to protocol breaches.

Still in other news, Engineer Shed Ariff Malang, a municipal engineer from Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, was killed in an ambush on Wednesday evening, July 16, 2025, in Shariff Aguak, with one companion also wounded. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Engineer Malang managed to drive his pickup truck to a paramilitary detachment, where he and his companion received aid, before succumbing to his wounds at the hospital. Police have initiated a massive manhunt for the unidentified assailants, with authorities actively investigating the motive behind the attack and appealing for public information. The brazen ambush underscores ongoing security concerns and the prevalence of violence targeting public figures in certain areas of Maguindanao del Sur and the broader BARMM region.

Source: KAMI.com.gh