TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities seized approximately P5.78 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a High-Value Individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation in Tacloban City on June 25, marking another significant accomplishment in the Police Regional Office 8’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
The operation was carried out by the Tacloban City Police Office–Drug Enforcement Unit (TCPO-DEU) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA RO-8), following the directive of Philippine National Police Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to strengthen anti-illegal drug operations across Eastern Visayas. The operation was conducted under the leadership of PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen.Jason Capoy.
Arrested during the operation was alias “Gabs,” a 46-year-old unemployed resident of Tacloban City who was identified by authorities as a HIV.
Recovered from the suspect were two heat-sealed and 11 knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The confiscated illegal drugs weighed approximately 850 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P5.78 million.
Police said the recovered evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the required witnesses in compliance with existing legal procedures. The suspected shabu will be submitted for laboratory examination, while the suspect remains under the custody of the Tacloban City Police Office pending the filing of charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The successful operation underscores PRO-8’s continuing commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensuring safer communities across Eastern Visayas. Police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report illegal drug activities to help sustain peace and order in their respective communities.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
