Two successful buy-bust operations carried out in Taguig City on August 15, 2024, led to the arrest of four individuals long suspected of illegal drug involvement.

According to the office of Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the first operation took place in Barangay Palingon Tipas, Taguig City at around 10:15 in the morning, where 33.08 grams of shabu, estimated to be worth P224,944.00, were seized.

Also found in the possession of the suspects, identified as John Medina Jr., 47, and Reynaldo Llanto, 53, were a .45 caliber Llama Max-1 pistol, a magazine, and ammunition, during the operation carried out on Sanga Street, Purok 6, Barangay Palingon Tipas, Taguig City by members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Taguig City Police.

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(Picture of SPD)

The authorities also recovered the money used by the officers to pretend to purchase drugs from the suspects.

Earlier, two women were arrested in Barangay Rizal, Taguig City carrying 450 grams of shabu, estimated at P3,060,000.00 in value.

Around 1:15 in the morning of August 15, 2024, the District Drug Enforcement Unit (DDEU) of the Southern Police District (SPD) conducted a buy-bust operation wherein Arianne Tejada, 37, and Jhoanna May Caparanga, 19, were arrested. Both women had previous arrests for illegal drugs.

Nartatez said the success of the two operations was a result of collaboration among various SPD units, including the District Intelligence Division (DID), District Special Operations Unit (DSOU), District Mobile Force Battalion (DMFB), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Southern District Office (PDEA-SDO), and the Sub-Station 10 of the Taguig City Police Station.

"The swift actions of NCRPO operatives serve as a testament to their commitment to eradicating illegal drugs and ensuring the safety and security of communities across Metro Manila. Every successful operation is a step closer to our goal of making Metro Manila a drug-free region. We are not just removing drugs from the streets; we are also ensuring that those who peddle this illegal substance face the full force of the law," Nartatez stated.

The suspects will be charged for violating the Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Medina and Llanto will also face additional charges for violating RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).