PDEA priority target arrested in Batac City drug bust

BATAC CITY, ILOCOS NORTE — A barangay tanod listed as a Top 15 Priority Target of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was arrested in a buy-bust operation on the afternoon of 12 June in Barangay Valdez, a village previously declared drug-cleared.

The suspect, a 52-year-old male and a resident of Barangay Valdez, was apprehended around 4:25 PM outside the barangay hall. The operation was led by the City of Batac Police Station under PLTCOL Adrian L. Gayuchan, in coordination with PDEA-Ilocos Norte Provincial Office, PIU-INPPO, RID-PRO1, RIU, 101st Maneuver Company of the RMFB, and the Ilocos Norte Maritime Police Station. It was conducted under control number 10003-062025-0165 issued by PDEA Region I.

Confiscated during the operation were approximately five grams of suspected shabu, valued at P34,000 — 2.5 grams sold to an undercover operative and another 2.5 grams found in the suspect’s possession. Authorities also recovered the marked P1,000 bill used in the transaction, several boodle money bills, a Marlboro cigarette box where some of the sachets were concealed, and a Samsung A13 mobile phone believed to have been used for coordination.

The suspect is now under police custody and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.