Chinese nabbed for selling Ecstasy tablets

A Chinese national was arrested yesterday for selling 20 pieces of Ecstasy tablets worth P12,000 to anti-drug agents during a buy-bust operation.

The suspect, Jason Tan, alias Jason Lee, of San Juan, surrendered to operatives of the police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF).

AIDSOTF commander Director Marcelo Ele Jr. ordered the neutralization of Tan following reports from a confidential informant that he is the source of illegal drugs in San Juan and its neighboring areas.

Ele said his men arranged the purchase of 50 pieces of Ecstasy tablets from Tan, who set a meeting with the AIDSOTF operatives at a fastfood chain along E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City at around 10 p.m.

Chief Inspector Ismael Fajaro, of AIDSOTF’s special operations unit 111, said Tan initially handed over 20 pieces of the tablets and demanded the cash so he could purchase the remaining 30 pieces from his source.

Tan was arrested after receiving four pieces of P500 bills. His cellular phone and gold Mitsubishi Adventure, with license plate XMW-760, were also confiscated by the police.

Tan was brought to the AIDSOTF office for tactical interrogation.

Fajardo said Tan refused to reveal the supplier of Ecstasy tablets, which is being patronized by scions of rich families.

The seized Ecstasy tablets were brought to the crime laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame for examination.

Initial reports submitted by Chief Superintendent Ernesto Belen, director of the crime lab showed that Tan was found positive for drug use.

Ele ordered the filing of drug pushing charges against Tan.