Vietnamese national arrested for selling illegal drugs

DAVAO CITY – A Vietnamese national was arrested by the agents of the National Bureau of Investigation – Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (NBI-OTCD), for selling illegal drugs in Makati City.

The suspect, identified as Pham Tien Thanh, was apprehended following an entrapment operation on January 21, 2025, after being caught in flagrante delicto selling ketamine and ecstasy.

The NBI-OTCD received intelligence indicating that a Vietnamese national, known by the alias “LIU”, along with unidentified accomplices, was allegedly engaged in online drug trafficking. Reports revealed that illegal drugs, specifically ketamine and ecstasy, were being sold through the Telegram messaging platform.

In response, OTCD agents conducted surveillance and verification operations at a Barangay San Antonio, Makati City condominium, confirming the suspect’s illegal activities. Based on the gathered evidence, authorities launched an entrapment operation, leading to PHAM TIEN THANH’s arrest.

Upon arrest, the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood and was notified about the use of an alternative recording device as part of legal procedures.

The confiscated substances were turned over to the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division for laboratory testing, which confirmed:
✅ Ketamine – 51.4596 grams
✅ Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (Ecstasy) – 13.3755 grams

Both substances are classified as dangerous drugs under Republic Act 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

Pham Tien Thanh has been presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati for violations of: Article II, Sections 5 & 11 of R.A. 9165 (sale and possession of dangerous drugs) and R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), due to the use of online platforms for illicit drug transactions.

The suspect remains in NBI custody while awaiting further legal action.