July 16, 2024 - The National Bureau of Investigation's Dangerous Drugs Division (NBI-DDD) arrested a Vietnamese national in Paranaque City on July 10th for selling illegal drugs.
NBI-DDD Director Jaime B. Santiago identified the suspect as Van Vinh Nguyen. He was arrested after a test buy operation confirmed that Nguyen, who used the alias "Wei," was selling illegal drugs.
During the test buy, NBI operatives purchased one gram of ketamine and one ecstasy pill from Nguyen, delivered through a ride-hailing service. Analysis by the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division confirmed the presence of ketamine hydrochloride and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the purchased substances.
Following Director Santiago's orders, NBI-DDD operatives conducted a buy-bust operation in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). An undercover officer placed an order for ketamine and ecstasy worth Php 20,000. After payment confirmation, the suspect sent the contraband via delivery service.
Interrogation of the delivery driver revealed "Wei" as the source of the illegal drugs. NBI operatives then proceeded to Bayshore Residential Resort in Paranaque City, the location provided by the driver.
Posing as if the package hadn't been received, the operatives returned the supposed undelivered package to Nguyen. Upon receiving it, operatives identified themselves and arrested Van Vinh Nguyen, confirming his identity through his passport.
The illegal drugs were found hidden inside a small teddy bear. The seized evidence was turned over to the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division for further examination, while Nguyen was brought to the NBI-DDD office in Pasay City for processing.
Charges for violating Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) are being prepared against Nguyen for inquest proceedings at the Paranaque City Prosecutor's Office.
Director Santiago commended the DDD operatives for their successful apprehension of the suspect. He reiterated the NBI's unwavering commitment to combating illegal drugs in the Philippines.