P3.2-M shabu seized, suspect arrested

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A high-value drug suspect was arrested and more than P3.2 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a buy-bust operation in Baliwag City, Bulacan on Sunday, according to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

The operation, carried out by the Baliwag City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU), led to the arrest of “Rex,” a 45-year-old resident of Barangay Sto. Cristo. The arrest took place around 8:20 a.m. in Barangay Virgen Delas Flores.

Seized from the suspect were five marked P1,000 bills used in the buy-bust, one additional P1,000 bill, five plastic packs and one medium heat-sealed sachet containing 475.5 grams of suspected shabu, and a plastic bag labeled “Freeze-dried Durian” with foreign markings.

PRO3 Regional Director PBGen Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. praised the successful operation and reaffirmed the police’s resolve in the fight against illegal drugs.

“This operation underscores our commitment to ridding our communities of illegal drugs,” Peñones said. “We will continue to pursue drug traffickers relentlessly until Central Luzon’s streets are safe and drug-free.”

Peñones added that the suspect will be charged under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, with authorities committed to pursuing all legal measures to hold him accountable.