Farmer arrested in Bacarra for illegal drugs and firearms possession

Bacarra, Ilocos Norte — Authorities arrested a 45-year-old farmer in a joint buy-bust operation for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition).

The operation, conducted at around 11:10 AM by the Bacarra Municipal Police Station (MPS) along with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID PRO1), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU INPPO), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU INPPO), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA RO1), led to the arrest of Mardy Ilarana y Cadiz, a resident of Barangay 30, Cadaratan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Ilarana was caught in the act of selling a heat-sealed sachet of suspected shabu, valued at Php1,000, to an undercover police officer. Subsequent searches yielded additional evidence, including seven more sachets of suspected shabu in his possession and another sachet found on a table in plain view. Authorities also seized a .38 caliber revolver with two live rounds, buy-bust money, additional cash, drug paraphernalia, and personal belongings. The confiscated drugs weighed approximately two grams with an estimated street value of Php13,600.

The evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of an elected official, a media representative, and an insulating witness. The suspect is now in police custody and will face charges for violating Sections 5, 11, and 12 of RA 9165, as well as RA 10591 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.