By Roy Tomadao
Camp BGen Vicente P Lim, Calamba City — In a meticulously executed buy-bust operation carried out by the Calamba City Police Station, 28 kilos of shabu worth P190 million was seized at Ciudad Verde Purok 2, Barangay Makiling in this city.
Under the leadership of PLTCOL Milany Martirez, in collaboration with the Laguna Provincial Intelligence Unit, two high-value individuals were apprehended on May 24 at approximately 3:19 PM.
The suspects were identified as Donna Mateo Gall, also known as “Madam,” 37 and a resident of Barangay San Pablang Nayon, Sto Tomas City, Batangas, and John Erwin Matol Cadilife, 37, from Barangay Lechena, Calamba City.
Both were on the High-Value Individuals list of the Calamba City Police Station Drug Watchlist.
The success of the operation caught the attention of law enforcement authorities due to the unexpectedly large volume of drugs seized.
“The suspected drugs were being transported from outside Calamba, using it solely as a drop-off point. However, due to our extensive and comprehensive operation, we were able to apprehend them,” stated PLTCOL Martirez.
Police Provincial Director PCOL Randy Glenn Silvio emphasized the commitment of the authorities to relentlessly pursue drug personalities and prevent any form of criminal activity within the community.
“We are strictly implementing measures to apprehend these drug offenders and maintain the safety and security of our community,” Silvio said.
During the operation, both suspects were caught in the act of selling a sachet containing suspected shabu to an undercover police officer, who acted as the poseur buyer.
Subsequent searches led to the discovery of 28 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of Php 190.4 million.
A mobile phone, two body bags, a weighing scale, a Toyota Hi-Ace Van, and the marked buy-bust money were also seized as evidence.
The suspects will be presented before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Calamba City for Inquest Proceedings.
They are expected to face charges for violations of Section 5 (Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution, and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 26 (Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The confiscated drugs and related evidence will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 4A for further examination and analysis.
PBGen Carlito M. Gaces, the PRO CALABARZON Regional Director, commended the Calamba CPS and Drug Enforcement Units for the successful operation.
“This significant achievement showcases the unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies in combatting the drug menace, ensuring the safety and security of communities across the entire region,” he stated.