ORMOC CITY – In a major breakthrough in Eastern Visayas’ anti-drug campaign, two high-profile drug suspects were arrested and over P340,000 worth of suspected shabu was seized during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay San Roque, Tanauan, Leyte, in the early hours of June 25.
The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Ador,” 51, listed as the top target in the Police Regional Office 8’s (PRO-8) Regional Priority Target List (RPTL), and “Joe,” 22, a butcher tagged as a high-value individual (HVI), were apprehended at around 1:45 a.m.
The operation was spearheaded by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) Tracker Team and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Regional Office 8 (PDEA-RO8).
Authorities confiscated approximately 50.63 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P344,352.20, based on Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) valuation. Marked money and drug paraphernalia used during the transaction were also recovered.
All confiscated items were properly documented and inventoried at the scene in the presence of barangay officials and media representatives, in accordance with legal procedures. Charges against the suspects are now being prepared.
PRO-8 Regional Director PB/Gen.Jay Cumigad commended the operatives for the swift and well-coordinated operation.
“This operation is a testament to the value of timely intelligence and coordinated action. We remain relentless in our campaign to rid communities of illegal drugs and bring high-value targets to justice,” Cumigad said. “We will not stop until we achieve a drug-free Eastern Visayas.”
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
