A punong barangay listed as a high-value individual (HVI) was apprehended and yielded P782,000 worth of suspected “shabu” in a buy-bust operation in San Remigio, Antique, on May 29.
Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias, “Alvin,” 38, the village chief of Barangay of Maragubdub.
Police investigation revealed that Alvin was a previous drug surrenderee and had been under close surveillance for nearly a month leading up to his arrest.
During the operation, operatives recovered three plastic sachets and one knot-tied plastic pack containing 115 grams of suspected shabu, buy-bust money and other non-drug items used as evidence.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The successful sting was a joint effort by operatives from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit (PNP DEG–SOU-6), Antique Police Provincial Office, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU-6), and the San Remigio Municipal Police Station.
Police Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional rirector of Police Regional Office (PRO-6), lauded the units involved and reaffirmed the region’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs.
“This operation sends a clear message that no one is above the law. Regardless of position or status in the community, those who engage in illegal drug activities will be held accountable,” he said.
“We will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal drugs, especially against High-Value Individuals, to protect our communities from the harm brought by this menace. I commend our operating units for their coordination, professionalism, and commitment to duty,” Tuaño assured.IMT
