TACLOBAN CITY — Two high-value drug suspects were arrested and more than P9.7 million worth of suspected shabu was confiscated in a buy-bust operation conducted on the evening of November 23, 2025, in Zone Venus, Barangay Pawing, Palo, Leyte.
The joint anti-drug operation was carried out by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with support from various operating units like the Palo Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit.
Arrested were alias “Jan,” 29, and alias “Badong,” 32, both reportedly residents of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.
Authorities said the poseur buyer successfully purchased two knot-tied sachets of suspected shabu from alias “Jan” during the sting.
Seized from the suspects were approximately 1,438.7 grams of suspected shabu valued at P9,783,160, a caliber .38 Smith & Wesson revolver with ammunition, buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, weighing scale, packaging materials, containers, a sling bag, and a backpack.
The inventory and documentation of the seized evidence were conducted on-site in the presence of a barangay official and a media representative in compliance with legal procedures.
The arrested suspects are detained at the Palo Municipal Police Station, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 8 for chemical examination.
Charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165 and RA 10591 are being prepared for filing in court.
LPPO Provincial Director PCol. Dionisio DC Apas Jr. lauded the operating units for their precision and coordination, noting that the successful operation reflects the strengthened efforts of the PNP and PDEA to dismantle illegal drug networks in Leyte.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
