‘Luzon-wide’ gang eyed in QC shabu bust

MANILA, Philippines - Investigators believe a Chinese man, who was arrested with 10 kilos of high-grade shabu during a sting last Friday, is connected to a huge syndicate with possibly “Luzon-wide” operations, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) officials said yesterday.

It was not clear where the shabu – with a street value of P15 million – seized from Zhen Xu was sourced, but it was apparent he had clients not just in Metro Manila, said Senior Inspector Roberto Razon, head of the QCPD’s anti-drug unit. 

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said the drug contraband could be considered “high-grade.”

When the drugs were seized from Zhen, these were kept in sealed plastic bags meant to store Chinese tea, Razon said in an interview yesterday. 

“The plastic bags were tightly sealed and could not be easily opened,” Razon said. 

Albano said there was an intricate attempt to conceal the illegal drugs, packing them like food products. 

Razon added what they bought from the Zhen was just a kilo of shabu, before they found the other nine kilos kept in the latter’s car. 

Razon said the drugs were still in huge chunks and apparently meant for wholesale distribution. 

“It was apparent he had other clients outside Metro Manila, possibly even in other provinces in Luzon,” Razon said. 

Before the operation on Friday, Razon’s team managed to set up a transaction that was supposed to have happened in North Fairview. 

The one they were dealing with could only give a small amount of shabu, prompting policemen to ask if he could deliver a bigger haul. 

“He said he could provide us a bigger volume if the transaction happened in Tarlac,” Razon said. 

A bust happened in Capas, Tarlac on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the arrest of Ali Tocalo and his 16-year-old son. The father and son yielded half a kilo of shabu. 

“During interrogation, Tocalo pointed us to the Chinese national, who was supposedly his source,” Razon said. 

Another sting was set up at the parking space of a fastfood restaurant on Friday afternoon, resulting in Zhen’s arrest.

He was scheduled to undergo inquest proceedings for drug sale and possession last night.