CandelarIa, Zambales — A total of P780,000 worth of illegal drugs, as well as an illegal firearm, were seized at a Commission on Elections (Comelec) checkpoint at the National Highway in Barangay Catol of this town on 11 May 2025.

According to Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO), two people were arrested and almost 114.77 grams of suspected shabu were seized along with an unlicensed firearm.

According to a report received by Police Col. Benjamin P. Ariola of the ZPPO, the checkpoint was led by Police Capt. Pablo Aggabao of the Candelabra Municipal Police Station. 

The group was reinforced by the personnel of the 1st PMFC, and Philippine Army wherein they were conducting a 24-hour Comelec checkpoint when they changed upon a dark gray Toyota Vios around 10 p.m.

While inspecting the vehicle, the police noticed drug paraphernalia such as lighter, aluminium foil, improvised glass pipe and two sachets of suspected shabu near the gearstick of the vehicle.

The authorities immediately arrested the two suspects, and upon further inspection, four more sachets of suspected shabu were found along with a caliber .38 revolver with four live rounds.

The overall weight of the confiscated drugs amounted to 114.77 grams with a standard drug price of P780,436.

The suspects and the evidences were taken to the Candelaria MPS for proper disposition and filing of cases for violating sections 5 and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Republic Act 10591, as well as violating the Comelec Gun Ban.