ORMOC CITY — A newly identified drug suspect was arrested while more than P49,000 worth of suspected shabu was seized during a joint anti-drug operation in Maasin City, authorities said.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office, and the City Drug Enforcement Team of the Maasin City Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation at around 12:13 p.m. on June 13 in Barangay Mantahan that resulted in the arrest of alias “Danny,” 48, a jobless resident of the village.
PDEA Regional Director Levi Ortiz said the suspect was identified through ongoing anti-illegal drug monitoring and was targeted following reports of alleged involvement in the local drug trade.
Recovered from the suspect during the operation was a sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, which was allegedly sold to an undercover operative for P1,000.
A subsequent body search conducted in the presence of required witnesses led to the recovery of a black-and-white striped coin purse containing eight additional sachets of suspected shabu.
Authorities said the confiscated illegal drugs weighed a total of 7.23 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P49,164.
Also recovered was the marked P1,000 bill used in the operation.
The suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights before being taken into custody.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is currently detained at the Maasin City Police Station pending further legal proceedings.
(ROBERT DEJON)
