Chinese national yields P5-M shabu

Had he not panicked, a 23-year old Chinese national with four kilosshabu and an unlicensed handgun could have eluded arrest at the parking area of a mall in Mandaluyong City the other day.

Superintendent Alejandro Gutierrez of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Chi Hong Wong was arrested at the third level parking area of the SM Megamall last Thursday afternoon while in possession of some P5.6 million worth of shabu and a 9-mm Desert Eagle pistol.

Gutierrez noted that prior to the arrest, CIDG operatives received information that a foreigner, who had previously been tagged in gun running activities, was about to close a deal at the mall.

With the information, Gutierrez sent his men to the mall to verify the report.

"For several hours, my men conducted a surveillance on the third level parking area of the mall looking out for a possible sale of weapons because the information given by the asset was not specific," Gutierrez noted.

When lawmen spotted Wong, team leader Chief Inspector Prudencio Enojo said they approached him just to ask questions, but the foreigner suddenly ran toward his Honda sedan, prompting the officers to pursue him.

"He attempted to grab his gun from inside the car, but fortunately he was subdued by our operatives," Gutierrez said. "He knew he was violating the law so he panicked when he saw our operatives."

Visibly seen from the floor of the car was a paper bag containing a white crystalline substance. An examination conducted by the PNP Crime Laboratory showed the substance was shabu.

Investigators could not get any information from Wong, who did not speak English or Filipino.

Police said Wong has been charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Law and illegal possession of firearms. No bail was recommended for his temporary release.

Gutierrez noted that the PNP would coordinate with the mall management to implement a stricter security measures to prevent suspected criminals from entering their premises.