Marilao: At least 12,500.8 kg of ‘hot meat’ worth PHP2.3 million were confiscated in Marilao, Bulacan, resulting in the arrest of seven persons, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon) said on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Central Luzon Police chief, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones Jr., stated that the operation was conducted after barangay peacekeepers discovered the illicit transfer of suspected double-dead meat from a wing van to a refrigerated truck in Barangay Sta. Rosa 1 in Marilao at about 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The discovery was reported to the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and Marilao Police Station, leading to the arrest of seven individuals.

The confiscated meat was turned over to the NMIS for proper handling. Charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 9296, or The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, are being prepared against the suspects before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Malolos, Bulacan. Brig. Gen. Pe±ones highlighted the collaboration between the Philippine National Police and local regulatory agencies in protecting public welfare.

In a separate incident, operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Balanga City Police Station confiscated at least 1 kg of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP6.8 million, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bagong Silang, Balanga City. The operation resulted in the arrest of a high-value individual and the recovery of a bag containing sachets of suspected shabu, genuine and counterfeit peso bills used as buy-bust money, and other drug paraphernalia.

The arrested suspect and confiscated evidence were taken to the Balanga City Police Station for documentation and filing of charges for violating RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Brig. Gen. Pe±ones emphasized the commitment of PRO-3 in its fight against illegal drugs, focusing on targeting high-value individuals and dismantling drug networks to ensure community safety.