Nine individuals — including two high-value targets — were arrested, and P457,404 worth of illegal drugs were seized in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tagpos, Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija on November 14, 2025.

Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) Provincial Director Police Col. Heryl Bruno said the two high-value individuals (HVIs) were a 38-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman, both residents of the barangay. He added that the pair was found in possession of approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at P408,000.

Seven other suspected drug pushers were also arrested in separate operations launched by San Isidro PS, Aliaga PS, Gen. Natividad PS, San Jose City PS, and San Leonardo PS (three suspects) within their respective jurisdictions.

Confiscated during the coordinated operations were 3.62 grams of suspected shabu and 70 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves, with a combined Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P49,404.00.

The suspects are set to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.