Owners of SUVs linked to Batangas shabu haul identified

MANILA, Philippines — Police have identified the owners of the two sport utility vehicles linked to 1.4 tons of shabu valued at P9.68 billion that were seized in Alitagtag, Batangas last week.

A white Ford Explorer and a black Toyota Land Cruiser were found around 400 meters apart in Barangay Sta. Lucia in San Luis, Pampanga.

Col. Jean Fajardo, Philippine National Police spokesperson, said the Land Cruiser was registered under the name of the person who rented a house in Nasugbu, Batangas, where Ajalon Michael Zarate, the driver of a Foton van wherein the illegal drugs were found, stayed.

Fajardo said investigators have the name of the owner of the other vehicle, but declined to give details.

The two vehicles and a yacht suspected to have transported the illegal drugs were found negative for shabu residues.

Fajardo said it does not mean the illegal drugs did not originate from the yacht. She said those behind the drug smuggling could have cleaned the vessel.