Authorities nab 3 alleged members of Makati’s ‘Laperal drug group’

Authorities on Thursday night busted three alleged members of the so-called "Laperal Group" during a joint operation in Makati City.

Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Makati City Police arrested the suspects around 9 p.m. at a drug den along Bernardino Street at Laperal compound, Barangay Guadalupe Viejo.

In a report on Balitanghali Jamie Santos said the police were quoted as identifying the three drug suspects as Arvin Padilla, Maria Mapa, and Bonifacio "Tondying" Consuela.

PDEA-National Capital Region Regional Director Wilkins Villanueva held that the suspects were members of the Laperal Group, one of the biggest narcotics group in Makati.

"Itong grupo na ito, members ng Laperal drug group. Ito'y nagpapaikot ng droga rito sa part ng Makati," Villanueva said.

Authorities first found Consuela in his house, which was allegedly being used as a drug den.

Consuela denied peddling drugs but admitted that his house was used as a drug den.

"Pero nakikiusap naman po sila ma'am. 'Yung mga gustong gumamit," Consuela said.

Several sachets of alleged shabu and drug paraphernalia were retrieved from Consuela's house.

Arrested next was Maria Mapa, a known drug pusher in their place. She said it has been a long time since she last sold drugs.

The third arrested suspect was Padilla, who admitted using drugs but denied selling them.

Police said they were tracking down two more members of the group: someone called "Ren-Ren," as well as Arvin's brother, RJ Padilla.

But it was later learned that RJ had been killed in another police operation in Taguig.

Authorities are hoping that the busting of the group would instill fear among those engaged in the illegal drug trade in Makati.

"'Yung impact na nakakuha tayo ng mga drug-dependents dito, definitely mababawasan 'yung mga gumagamit. At the same time, magkakaroon ng takot," Villanueva added.

About 50 more alleged drug suspects were brought to the precinct to undergo verification of drug records. — Akari Nakano/MDM/KVD, GMA News