TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested Eastern Visayas’ top priority drug target in a major anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay 97, Cabalawan, this city on Wednesday, December 3, yielding over P11 million worth of suspected shabu.
The suspect, identified only as “Roy,” 55, unemployed, and a resident of Brgy. 109, Tacloban City, is ranked number one on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL), according to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).
Authorities recovered 16 knot-tied and four self-sealing sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 1,701 grams, with a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value placed at P11,566,800.
The arrest was carried out through a joint operation of multiple law enforcement units, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), Regional Intelligence Division 8 (RID-8) Tracker Team, Leyte Police Provincial Office intelligence units, Tacloban City Police Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other specialized units.
PRO-8 regional director PB/Gen. Jason Capoy praised the successful arrest of the high-value suspect.
“Their relentless efforts reflect our strong commitment to safeguarding our communities and achieving a drug-free Eastern Visayas,” he said in a statement released on Thursday.
Police said the seized evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the place of arrest, with the required witnesses present.
Criminal charges against the suspect are now being prepared.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
