A drug pusher was arrested in North Caloocan last Wednesday early morning, resulting in the recovery of suspected shabu worth P3.5 million.

Joint police operatives from the Drug Enforcement Units of the Northern Police District, Malabon City Police, SWAT Caloocan, and Caloocan City Substation 14 conducted the anti-drug operation.

Police Major Jeraldson Rivera, head of the Northern Police District - Drug Enforcement Unit, said that their investigation showed small drug pushers usually visit the suspect’s house to gather the illegal narcotics.

At least 520 grams of suspected shabu, which were placed in eight heat-sealed sachets, were confiscated during the operation.

He also added that the suspect, identified as “Apang,” sells his supply of illegal drugs through a “consignment deal.”

"The small-time pushers get their supply from him, and they don't pay right away—they just give him money once they've sold the illegal drugs. Although some pay immediately, he also lends to others,” the anti-drug police chief added.

Upon interrogation, Apang didn’t disclose the details about the area where he picks up the illegal drugs. However, Rivera said that they are looking into the possibility that the shabu is being distributed through courier services.

The subject of the buy-bust operation was a one-piece medium heat-sealed sachet containing suspected shabu, which has a street value of P16,000. However, the remaining illegal drugs were recovered from the suspect’s sling bag.

The operation against Apang was conducted in connection with previous arrests made by the NPD-DDEU.

"His former companions, who were previously arrested by the DDEU and were also high-value drug pushers, have already been caught. He is the only one left who is still actively pushing drugs."

Rivera said that the usual area where Apang operates is within North Caloocan and nearby towns in Bulacan.

The police chief emphasized the importance of the arrest as it suppresses the distribution of illegal drugs in the area.

"He was about to dispose of kilos of illegal drugs, so his arrest significantly suppressed the operation and saved lives, especially among the youth.”

Apang will face charges in violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.