ORMOC CITY — A suspected high-value drug personality listed as Rank 9 in the Regional Priority Target List was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by law enforcement units in Sitio San Roque, Barangay Larrazabal, Naval, Biliran on Monday afternoon, May 11.
The suspect, identified as alias “Nate,” 57, married, and a self-employed resident of Barangay Larrazabal, was apprehended at around 4:05 p.m. during an operation led by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Naval Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Biliran Provincial Police Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 8.
Police said the suspect is considered a high-value individual on the Philippine National Police drug watchlist.
Recovered from the suspect was one sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, which was purchased by an undercover operative for P500. A follow-up search also yielded another sachet of suspected shabu hidden inside a Nescafé stick wrapper, along with the marked buy-bust money.
Authorities said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is currently detained at the lock-up cell of the Naval Municipal Police Station.
(ROBERT DEJON)
