Packages seized during a Quezon City buy-bust operation that killed three suspects tested negative for drugs in a laboratory exam, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG) said on Monday.
PNP DEG Director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay previously told reporters that 10 bricks of suspected shabu (crystal meth), each weighing a kilogram, were being tested for drugs.
Asked for an update on the test results during a press briefing in Camp Crame, Ragay said, ‘It turned out negative [the drug test].’
So, what did the bricks contain? The PNP DEG director answered in Filipino, ‘It appeared to be what would look like noodles. Some contained pebbles. So, the intention really was to fool or double-cross their buyers in the transaction and not to deal in drugs.’
Ragay maintained that the operation was based on a target intelligence packet, which detailed that two of the suspects were ‘high-value individuals.’
The operation took place in Barangay Socorro, Quezon City, on Nov. 18.
It aimed to catch four suspects, but one of them opened fire on operatives, prompting them to fire back. Three suspects were killed during the shootout, while police are still pursuing the remaining suspect.
The PNP DEG did not identify any of the suspects.
Ragay reiterated that the operating team will undergo an Internal Affairs Service investigation to look into the legality of the operation. /jpv