NBI nabs 6 in Makati drug raids

Six persons, including a nephew of a Manila councilor were arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) during a series of anti-illegal drug operations in Makati City before dawn yesterday.

The pre-dawn raids in Makati City were part of the 14 raids carried out by different units of the NBI-Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force nationwide. The Makati City operations were covered with a search warrant issued by Makati Judge Ricardo Rosario of Regional Trial Court Branch 66.

Ruel Lasala of the NBI-Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force said the raids were conducted in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Laguna. He noted that the operations were in compliance with the directive of President Arroyo and NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco to intensify the government campaign against illegal drugs.

During the Makati City raid, NBI agents also questioned Manuel Asencio, a son-in-law of former Vice President Salvador "Doy" Laurel for keeping an Uzi and a .9mm during the raid. However, he was later released after he produced pertinent papers of the firearms.

A reliable source said one of the arrested suspects was the nephew of a Manila councilor. The offender was found in possession of about five grams of shabu and drug paraphernalia.

His five companions, including a woman were nabbed inside his house in San Miguel Village, Makati City.

Simultaneously, another group of agents swooped down on the house of Manuel Asencio, said to be a son-in-law of former Vice President Salvador Laurel also in the same subdivision.

Agents failed to find any illegal drugs but questioned him over an Uzi and a .9mm pistol discovered in his house. Asencio was later released after he produced pertinent papers for the firearms.

The third operation, which turned out negative, was carried out at another house in San Miguel Village.

"We conducted the raids following reports of illegal activities in the area. Based on the reports, NBI agents applied and subsequently secured warrants to search the area," a source said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe