ORMOC CITY– A high-value drug personality ranked No. 10 on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL) was arrested after authorities serving a search warrant on December 7, seized firearms, ammunition, explosives, and suspected shabu in Brgy. Asum, Palapag, Northern Samar.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Jay,” 48, single, unemployed, and a resident of the same barangay.
The operation was carried out by virtue of search Warrant dated December 6, 2025, for violations of RA 9165 involving possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession were a brown leather belt bag, a silver metal lighter, four live 9mm rounds, a snub-nosed revolver with defaced markings, and an old, rusted hand grenade wrapped in cloth. Authorities also seized a green plastic container; a white coin purse containing P29,451 in mixed denominations and coins; and various personal items.
Further search led to the discovery of 15 medium-sized sachets containing suspected shabu, a weighing scale, assorted aluminum foil strips, two improvised plastic tooters, one glass tooter, two lighters, an additional 9mm live round, a roll of aluminum foil, and two P500 bills—all found in the suspect’s dining area.
Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
Charges for violations of RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives) and RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) have been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect is currently detained at the Palapag Municipal Police Station.
(ROBERT DEJON)
