CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A suspected member of the notorious Saturnino Criminal Group was arrested in a pre-dawn anti-drug operation conducted by the San Jose del Monte City Police (SJDM CPS) on Tuesday, according to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

The suspect, identified only as “Potpot,” 31, was apprehended during a buy-bust in Barangay Tungkong Mangga after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu to undercover officers.

Authorities seized four additional sachets of suspected methamphetamine, an improvised shotgun loaded with a live round and the marked cash used in the transaction. The confiscated drugs, weighing approximately 4 grams, have an estimated street value of P27,200.

In his report, Police Lt. Col. Reyson M. Bagain, SJDM CPS chief, confirmed the suspect’s ties to the Saturnino group, which has been linked to multiple crimes in Central Luzon. “Potpot” is listed as a high-priority target under the police’s COPLAN BILOG initiative, which aims to dismantle organized crime networks.

The suspect now faces charges under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) for drug sale and possession, and RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms). He is currently detained pending formal court proceedings.

“This arrest reflects our intensified drive to eradicate narcotics and illegal weapons. We remain steadfast in safeguarding communities from criminal elements,” Bulacan Police Director Col. Angel L. Garcillano said in a statement.

The operation aligns with directives from Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., emphasizing nationwide crackdowns on drug trafficking and syndicate activity.