A suspected Chinese drug lord was apprehended and killed in Valenzuela City today, through the skilled coordination employed by both the national and local operatives.

The City Government of Valenzuela commends Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency-Special Enforcement Service (PDEA-SES), Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP AIDG), Northern police District Office (NPDO), Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) for their aggressive stance to fight illegal drugs in the country which lead to the death of alias “Meco Tan”, one of the most elusive suspected shabu operators in the country.

According to the police report, about 4:14 o’clock this morning, the joint operatives were about to serve a search warrant at AAC Henson Trading Corp in Brgy. Lingunan, Valenzuela City when a white Honda Civic broke out to escape.  Instead of yielding to the authorities after the HPG Mobile Team used public address system to stop it, the suspect opened fire at the pursuing operatives until his car ramped in Brgy. Veinte Reales. Tan succumbed to death after shots were fired back.

Recovered from Tan’s vehicle was a Cal. 45 pistol with one magazine, three Cal. 45 spent shells, one hand grenade and six zip lock plastic bags each containing one kilo of shabu.

The local government has programs aligned to the operational platforms of the national government to combat illegal drugs.  Mayor REX Gatchalian said that the local government fully supports the national government in its endeavors to eradicate the perpetual drug problem that permeates all social strata.

Vigilance of the constituency against illegal drugs is being increased through programs under the Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abuse Council (VADAC) and the local PNP.  To enhance monitoring of establishments, such as warehouses and factories, the city council is discussing a proposed ordinance that will implement a localized ID system for foreign nationals doing business in the city.  This will afford the local government to build a database of updated information on foreign entrepreneurs in the city.

This step does not only aim at protecting the constituents from harm’s way, such as involvement in illegal drugs, but also to help in the response for these Non-Filipino residents in times of disaster.  All trackable information about them shall be made available to their respective local consulates or embassies whenever required.

Reports said Meco Tan was previously involved in big-time shabu laboratory raids in Naic, Cavite and Scout Chuatoco Street in Quezon City.