Two Nigerians are assisting The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in its investigations after they were caught with 500 grams of fake ‘shabu’ and other counterfeit drugs amounting to P2.5 million (about N48m).

The drugs, which were labelled dangerous by the agency, were seized from Agu Austin Chukwuebuka and Nkwocha Chimaobi in an entrapment operation in Bacoor, Cavite on Friday.

According to reports, the duo were arrested after they sold 11 sachets of suspected shabu stashed in electronic adaptors to an undercover agent.

Both suspects reportedly denied they were drug peddlers, claiming they are students in Metro Manila.

According to CNN Philippines,  Intelligence reports, however, linked Chukwuebuka and Chimaobi to an African drug syndicate operating in parts of Cavite.

It added that PDEA Chief Aaron Aquino said the compound, which looks like shabu but has no stimulant effect, is poisonous.

He said,

These drugs have no effect. So the users think they’re high when actually there are just tricked into believing that.

The PDEA chief said this is a sign that illegal drugs are harder to obtain and source. This is why, he added, there is a growing demand for other forms of illegal drugs like ecstasy and marijuana.

The modus of African Drug Syndicate members is to hide shabu inside cell phone chargers for easier transport. They are also known for their strategy of enrolling themselves in medical schools and mix with students.

Chukuewuebuka and Chimaobi will be charged for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

They are the second set of Nigerian nationals arrested in Cavite since November 2017 for selling illegal drugs.

The PDEA said it is investigating why African drug syndicate members are operating in Dagupan, Pangasinan and Cavite.