PNP nabs 6 suspects, seizes over P18-M worth of marijuana in Tarlac

MANILA, Philippines – Six individuals accused of operating a drug distribution network in Northern and Central Luzon were arrested by authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.
The PNP identified the suspects as Marlon Miranda, 34; Joey Palaeyan, 33; Freddie Letta, 35; Carl Andrei Maico, 22; Lorraine Fulgencio, 24; and Via Jean Ortega, 19.
They were arrested on Wednesday in San Francisco, Concepcion in Tarlac in an operation jointly conducted by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, the Provincial Enforcement Unit Tarlac PPO, and the Concepcion Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Seized from the suspects were bricks of suspected dried marijuana leaves weighing 158 kilograms with an estimated street value of P18.96 million.
Also confiscated from the suspects were another five bricks of suspected dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops worth P600,000, five pieces of P1,000 with UV dust powder used as buy-bust money along with 145 pcs boodle money; one cellular phone used in the transaction of marijuana; one unit of Toyota Altis; one mobile phone; and 100 rounds of ammunition.
Citing a report from Police Brigadier General Valeriano de Leon, PNP chief General Debold Sinas said the operation was conducted after the suspects sold operatives, who posed as buyer, 25 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves worth P3 million.
“Further investigation revealed that these suspects are actively engaged in the Illegal drug trade activities, specifically Marijuana within Region 1 and 3,” Sinas added.
The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the PNP provincial drug enforcement unit.
The PNP said documents for the filing of complaints are also being prepared.