ORMOC CITY– A barangay employee assigned to waste management was arrested after authorities discovered sachets of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant at around 6:51 pm on May 5, in Barangay San Jose, Hinabangan, Samar.
The suspect was identified by police as alias “Lando,” 52, separated, a barangay waste management personnel and fish vendor, and a resident of the said barangay.
The search was conducted by virtue of a warrant dated April 28, 2025, issued by presiding judge Janet Cabalona of the 8th Judicial Region, Branch 33 in Calbiga, Samar, for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession were five sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, concealed inside a black pouch. Also confiscated were one roll of aluminum foil, a brown teddy bear, a white Samsung keypad phone, an orange disposable lighter, two plastic straws, and a bladed weapon with scabbard locally known as a ‘kutsilyo’.
Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood.
A case for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165 has been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is currently detained at the Hinabangan Municipal Police Station. (ROBERT DEJON)
