A 44-year-old tattoo artist was arrested in Barangay 28, Caloocan City on Thursday afternoon after authorities recovered marijuana oil vape cartridges and bricks of dried marijuana leaves during a buy-bust operation.

The suspect, identified only as “Tengko,” is a resident of Pasig City and considered a high-value individual (HVI) by police. The operation was carried out by the Caloocan City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Restie Mables.

“His usual area of operation is around Caloocan City and Quezon City, so our suspect really goes out of his way,” Mables said.

Recovered from the suspect were 1.5 kilograms of suspected dried marijuana leaves, valued at P180,000, and 19 assorted-colored vape cartridges labeled “TINY 2 GRAM.”

According to initial investigation, Tengko admitted he sourced the vape cartridges from an unidentified woman in Sucat, Parañaque, personally collecting the items. Each cartridge is reportedly sold for at least P7,000.

“Tengko sells the vape cartridges in a discreet way — usually through online and his contact persons,” Mables noted. He clarified there is no evidence the drugs were being sold through the suspect’s tattoo business.

Mables emphasized the importance of the arrest, particularly in protecting young people, who are among the most common users of vaping devices.

“This arrest has been significant, in order to lessen the drug pushers, and to protect the teens and young adults, especially that vapes are now easily accessible nowadays," he said.

Tengko will face inquest proceedings for violations of Sections 5, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.