Tacloban buy-bust nets high-value suspect, yields P5.78-M shabu

TACLOBAN CITY — A high-value individual (HVI) was arrested, and around 850 grams of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) worth about P5.78 million were seized during a buy-bust operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Tacloban City on Thursday.

The operation was carried out by the Tacloban City Police Office’s Drug Enforcement Unit (TCPO-DEU) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA RO-8).

READ: P77-M ‘shabu’ seized, 173 nabbed in Western Visayas

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The suspect, identified only by the alias “Gabs,” 46, an unemployed resident of Tacloban City, was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover police operative.

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Authorities recovered two heat-sealed and 11 knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

The confiscated items weighed an estimated 850 grams and had a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) standard value of P5,780,000.

Police said the seized evidence was immediately marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the required witnesses, in compliance with existing legal procedures. The suspected illegal drugs will be submitted for laboratory examination.

The suspect is currently under the custody of the Tacloban City Police Office. At the same time, charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him.

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The operation was conducted in line with the directive of Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs nationwide.

In Eastern Visayas, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), under the leadership of Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy continues to strengthen intelligence-driven anti-drug operations aimed at dismantling illegal drug networks and preventing the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the region.

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READ: PDEA destroys P132.5-M worth of drugs seized in Eastern Visayas

Capoy said the successful operation demonstrates the police force’s commitment to protecting communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. He also vowed to sustain intensified anti-drug operations to bring those involved in the illegal drug trade to justice.

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He urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement authorities by reporting illegal drug activities in their communities./coa