ALBUERA, Leyte — A 54-year-old man previously arrested twice for illegal drugs and once for illegal possession of firearms was arrested again after police seized 21.51 grams of suspected shabu valued at P146,268 in a buy-bust operation here before midnight on Saturday, July 25.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Tonton,” was arrested by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Albuera Municipal Police Station at about 11:50 p.m. in Barangay Talisayan.
Police identified him as unemployed, living with a partner and a resident of the area. He was also listed as a high-value individual on the local police drug watchlist.
Police said an undercover operative bought 5.62 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect for P20,000. A subsequent body search led to the recovery of the marked money used in the operation.
Further search resulted in the seizure of a cigarette pack containing three more large sachets of suspected shabu weighing an estimated 15.85 grams and valued by the Dangerous Drugs Board at P107,780.
The suspect reportedly told media members covering the operation that he had been repeatedly targeted by local police because of his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. He also admitted having been arrested twice for illegal drugs and once for illegal possession of firearms.
Police said the suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
He is facing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
(ROBERT DEJON)
