TACLOBAN CITY — Anti-drug operations in Eastern Visayas netted more than P14 million worth of suspected shabu and led to the arrest of three high-value drug personalities in a series of buy-bust operations conducted over two days.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), led by Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy, carried out separate operations on May 4 and 5, 2026, targeting individuals listed in the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL).
On May 4, joint operatives from the Leyte Police Provincial Office, Palo Station Drug Enforcement Unit, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 8, and other supporting units arrested alias “Jepoy,” a 46-year-old welder from Palo, Leyte, who was ranked No. 1 in the RPTL.
Authorities confiscated approximately 1,025.96 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P6.9 million along with buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence.
The following day, another buy-bust operation led by joint elements of RPDEU-8, PDEA-8, Tacloban City Police Office units, and other enforcement teams resulted in the arrest of alias “Jun,” 42, a fast cargo driver ranked No. 2 in the RPTL, and alias “Chad,” 31, a delivery rider identified as a High-Value Individual (HVI). Both are residents of Tacloban City.
Seized during the second operation were around 1,055 grams of suspected shabu valued at P7. 17 million as well as buy-bust money and other evidence.
All confiscated items were properly marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of required witnesses, in accordance with legal procedures.
Capoy said the operations highlight PRO-8’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region. He reiterated the police force’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven efforts to curb criminality and ensure safer communities.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will face appropriate charges.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
