TACLOBAN CITY– A 43-year-old man listed as Eastern Visayas’ No. 10 drug personality was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cawayan, Catarman in Northern Samar, authorities reported.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Manuel,” was apprehended by joint operatives from the Catarman Municipal Police, Northern Samar Provincial Drug Enforcement and Intelligence Units, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Eastern Visayas.
Police seized four sachets of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and marked money.
“This is a result of intensified anti-drug efforts and strong inter-agency coordination,” said Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad, who vowed continued operations against illegal drug activities in the region.
The suspect is in custody and faces charges under Republic Act 9165.
From July 16 to 22, authorities launched 14 anti-drug operations in Eastern Visayas, arresting 16 suspects and confiscating P1.42 million worth of illegal drugs.
(RONALD O. REYES)
