CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- More than a kilo of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” amounting to some P7.4 million was seized by joint operatives of Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit III and Bacolor police during a drug bust launched in Barangay Cabalantian in Bacolor town over the weekend.

According to Police Regional Office-Central Luzon director for operations Colonel Rhoderick Armamento, the suspected illegal drugs were seized from Tristan Jay Masocol, 36, considered a high-value target.

Also arrested during the operation along with Masocol were his wife Ghay Miranda, 32, Aldine Dela Cruz, 34, Reynald Zoleta, 36, and Gerald John Ocampo, 44.

Prior to the operation, Armamento said the suspects became subjects of a week-long surveillance after an intelligence report regarding their involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region reached their office.

“After the surveillance, we asked to buy from them 25 grams of shabu for P80,000 which they agreed to. But during the actual operation, we were surprised to see more than 25 grams of (suspected) shabu kept in a large transparent plastic,” he said.

Armamento said that the suspects were supposed to distribute the illegal drugs in this capital city, Angeles City and nearby towns in Bulacan if not intercepted.

The suspects are detained at the RPDEU-Central Luzon custodial facility as they face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.