THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) clarified that the seized powdery substance previously declared as possible cocaine turned out to be potassium sulfate, traditionally used in fertilizers.
The substance was confiscated from two regional and city-level targets arrested in a buy-bust in Talisay Street, Capili Subdivision, Barangay Baliok, Toril District, at 8:18 p.m. on Nov. 2. Authorities seized about P700,000 worth of illegal drugs in the operation.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon explained, “The substance seized at the regional level [target] was initially thought to be cocaine, but after examination by the Regional Forensic Unit, it was determined to be potassium sulfate, not cocaine.”
The suspects were identified as alias Badi, 37, a single driver (ranked third at the regional level), and alias John Michael, 24, a driver (ranked first at the city level), along with Gino, 29, a mechanic, and Nikola, 37, a caregiver. All four were residents of Purok 6, Center Beach, Barangay Talomo Proper.
The suspects were arrested after handing over the drugs to an undercover officer in exchange for P15,000 in marked money. Police confiscated approximately P670,000 worth of shabu, in addition to the suspected cocaine, which was valued at an estimated P37,000.
The operation was led by the Sasa Police Station Drug Enforcement Team, headed by acting commander Major Marcille Manzano, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other police units.
“I spoke with the chemist, and they confirmed that it wasn’t cocaine or its ingredients,” Tuazon said. “According to the suspects, the substance was old stock they had kept, and it seems they may have deceived their customers into believing it was cocaine. However, the shabu that was seized was confirmed to be shabu.”
The suspects are now in custody, and charges for violations under sections 5, 13, 14, and 15 of R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed with the City Prosecutor’s Office through inquest procedures.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
