Christmas eve buy-bust nets P2-M shabu, firearms

TACLOBAN CITY — While many families prepared for Christmas Eve dinner, anti-narcotics operatives of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted in the confiscation of over P2 million worth of suspected shabu and firearms from a known high-value individual (HVI).

The operation, carried out by a composite team led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit – Leyte Police Provincial Office and supported by various police units, yielded around 299.2 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of over P2 million, along with firearms, ammunition, magazines, and other paraphernalia.

The buy-bust took place in Brgy. San Jose, Dulag, Leyte, at around 11:27 p.m. on 24 December 2025.

During the operation, the poseur-buyer successfully purchased two sachets of suspected shabu, prompting the immediate arrest of the suspect, identified as alias “Danny,” a 40-year-old resident of Brgy. San Isidro, Dulag, Leyte.

A body search recovered two additional heat-sealed sachets and one knot-tied sachet of suspected shabu. Authorities also seized genuine and boodle money used for the buy-bust, three weighing scales, a wallet containing identification cards, a navy-blue backpack, and a Honda XRM motorcycle.

Firearms and ammunition recovered included one Colt .45 pistol with one magazine and seven rounds, one LLAMA 9mm pistol with two magazines and four rounds, one Caspian 9mm pistol with two magazines, and holsters for the firearms.

PRO-8 Regional Director P/BGen. Jason Capoy said the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality continues amid the Christmas holidays.

“This operation shows that PRO-8 remains relentless in pursuing illegal drugs and criminality, even during the holiday season,” Capoy said. “The seizure of these drugs and firearms sends a clear message to criminal syndicates that the PNP is steadfast in protecting our communities across Eastern Visayas.”

Criminal complaints for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) are being prepared for filing with the Prosecutor’s Office.