Ilocos Norte police and anti-narcotics units conducted two successful drug buy-bust operations on 4 February 2025, leading to the arrest of two individuals for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).

In Bacarra, authorities arrested a 45-year-old farmer after he was caught selling suspected shabu to an undercover officer. A follow-up search led to the seizure of additional sachets of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and a .38 caliber revolver with live ammunition. The operation was conducted by the Bacarra Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with regional and provincial anti-drug units. The inventory of evidence was done on-site in the presence of an elected official, a media representative, and an insulating witness.

Later that day, a separate buy-bust operation was conducted along Sarrat-Vintar Road in Laoag City, resulting in the arrest a suspect known as “Engineer.” Concepcion allegedly sold 0.5 grams of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer. Further searches led to the confiscation of additional sachets of shabu, buy-bust money, live ammunition for a 9mm firearm, and a Yamaha NMAX motorcycle. The operation was led by the Laoag City Police Station (CPS) with support from other law enforcement agencies.

However, during research conducted by the DAILY TRIBUNE, it was found that Concepcion has no record with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Ilocos Norte Chapter and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through their official website, raising questions about his use of the title “Engineer.”

Both suspects are now in police custody, and charges for violations of RA 9165 (Illegal Sale and Possession of Dangerous Drugs), RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition), and Comelec Resolution 11607 (Election Gun Ban) are being prepared for filing. Authorities continue their intensified campaign against illegal drugs in Ilocos Norte.