P3.4M shabu seized; two high-value suspects nabbed in Bataan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Two alleged high-value individuals were arrested and ₱3.4 million worth of shabu was seized during a coordinated anti-narcotics operation in Dinalupihan, Bataan, on Tuesday morning, November 16, according to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

The suspects, identified only as “Nai,” 43, and “Abdul,” 32, both residents of Barangay Mabini Proper, were arrested at 11:25 a.m. after undercover operatives secured evidence of a drug transaction.

Joint forces from the Bataan Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Dinalupihan Municipal Police Station, PDEA Region 3 and provincial intelligence units executed the buy-bust, recovering five knot-tied plastic sachets containing approximately 500 grams of shabu. Also seized were a black Samsung keypad phone, a ₱1,000 marked bill used in the operation and a black belt bag allegedly used to conceal the contraband.

Police said the recovered shabu could have fueled thousands of drug doses across Central Luzon.

The two suspects are facing charges for violating Sections 5 (sale) and 11 (possession) of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which impose life imprisonment and fines of up to ₱10 million for possession or sale of 50 grams or more of shabu. They were brought to the Dinalupihan MPS for processing while prosecutors are expected to file the cases within the week.

Regional Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. hailed the buy-bust as a “strategic victory” in PRO3’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“This is not just an arrest — it’s a dismantling of a critical node in the drug trade,” Peñones said, adding that the operation aligns with the PNP’s 3Ps Strategic Direction: Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order and Promote Professionalism.

He warned drug syndicates that PRO3’s intelligence-driven operations would intensify, particularly in coastal and rural areas like Bataan, which authorities say are emerging transit hubs for methamphetamine.

Peñones also called on the public to stay vigilant, saying, “Every citizen’s tip is a step toward safer neighborhoods.”