DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A policeman of this city was caught with several sachets of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) by joint operatives of the Region XI Philippine National Police Region XI and the National Bureau of Investigation in an entrapment operation Monday night.
Authorities identified the suspect as Police Staff Sgt Mark Palma, 32, a former intelligence chief of the Sasa police station, later transferred to the Tourist Police unit of the city after being involved in an anomalous drug operation, according to Davao City police chief Col. Kirby John Kraft.
Kraft said Palma is considered a “high-value target.”
Antonio Rivera, chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Davao Region said they also received intelligence information that Palma keeps a safe house in Sasa where he even employs minors as his drug couriers.
Palma was arrested along with Rodnie Tamayo, 33, suspected to be his asset and drug runner.
Taken from the suspects were seven transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, weighing more or less 15 grams and with a street value of about P225,000, assorted drug paraphernalia, and a caliber .9mm Glock pistol with ammunition. (Rommel F. Lopez)