2 Ex-Drug Convicts, Pal Arrested in Lucena; P592,000 Worth of Shabu Seized

LUCENA CITY — Police arrested three suspected drug traders—two of whom have previous drug cases—in separate buy-bust operations in this city on Thursday, Sept. 17. Cops also seized more than P592,000 worth of suspected "shabu" (crystal meth), authorities said. Lucena City police chief Lt. Col. Ryan Hernandez said in a report that operatives from the city police conducted the buy-bust operations leading to the arrest of the suspects. He added that the arrested individuals have previous drug-related cases. The Philippines has been engaged in a protracted and often controversial "war on drugs" since the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which has led to numerous arrests and convictions of drug offenders. Despite these efforts, illegal drug trade and trafficking continue to be a persistent problem across the country. This latest operation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the drug menace. The significant amount of shabu seized suggests a notable presence of drug distribution networks in the area, and further investigations are expected to shed more light on the scope of these operations.