CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A former mayor of Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija was arrested in a buy-bust operation on New Year’s Eve for alleged involvement in illegal drug activities, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said Thursday.

The operation, conducted in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, resulted in the confiscation of six heat-sealed plastic sachets containing about 70 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P476,000.

The suspect, classified by police as a high-value individual, was allegedly caught in the act during the sting. Authorities also recovered the marked money used in the transaction.

"Our fight against drugs knows no holiday. Whether it's Christmas or New Year, we remain vigilant," said PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., regional director of PRO3, as he lauded the successful operation.

He said the arrest underscores the police force’s continued commitment to combating illegal drugs in the region and to maintaining peace and order, particularly during the holiday season.

Peñones added that further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspect’s involvement in the illegal drug trade and to identify possible accomplices.