Authorities carried out back-to-back anti-drug operations in Central Luzon (CL) on 13 February, leading to multiple arrests and the dismantling of two suspected drug dens.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 3 said six suspects were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay New Kalalake, Olongapo City, Zambales. Operatives swooped down on a makeshift drug den after an undercover transaction.

Recovered from the suspects were six sachets containing around eight grams of suspected shabu worth approximately P54,400, assorted drug paraphernalia, a mobile phone, and the marked buy-bust money. The operation was conducted by the PDEA Zambales Provincial Office together with Olongapo City Police Station 3. Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for filing.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, the PDEA Pampanga Provincial Office and the PDEA-3 Regional Special Enforcement Team dismantled another suspected drug den around 5:24 p.m.

The main target, known by the alias “Kabog,” 56, was arrested along with three others.

Authorities seized six plastic sachets containing about eight grams of suspected shabu valued at P54,400, along with drug paraphernalia and marked money used in the operation.

The confiscated substances will undergo forensic examination at the PDEA-3 laboratory in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

“Kabog” will face charges for sale of dangerous drugs and maintenance of a drug den under Republic Act 9165, while the three other suspects will also be charged under the same law.