TACLOBAN CITY — Police seized more than P8.3 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two high-value drug suspects in a buy-bust operation conducted on 12 January 2026, in Barangay San Joaquin, Palo, Leyte.

The operation was led by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) through its Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 8, Palo Municipal Police Station-Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit-LPPO, and the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company.

LPPO director P/Col. Dionisio Apas identified the suspects as alias “Jek,” 30, and alias “Jason,” 40, both classified as High Value Individuals (HVIs) and ranked first and second in the Regional Priority Target List. The suspects are reportedly employed as gold miners.

Apas said operatives recovered four knot-tied plastic sachets and 15 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu, along with assorted bags, buy-bust money, one bundle of boodle money, and other drug paraphernalia.

The seized illegal drugs weighed approximately 1.222 kilograms and were valued at over P8.3 million based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation.

The suspects and confiscated evidence were brought to the Palo Municipal Police Station for documentation, while the suspected drugs were turned over to the Philippine National Police Regional Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.

Apas said charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are now being prepared for filing in court.