Authorities arrested a high-value drug suspect and confiscated approximately 55 grams of suspected illegal drugs worth an estimated P374,000 during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Rizal, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on Sunday, 19 July.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1–Ilocos Sur Provincial Office (PDEA RO1-ISPO) led the anti-drug operation in coordination with the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), the Cabugao Municipal Police Station (MPS), and the Regional Intelligence Division (RID).

The suspect, a 45-year-old married construction worker and resident of Barangay Quezon, Cabugao, was identified by authorities as a High-Value Target (HVT) due to the volume of illegal drugs allegedly involved in his activities.

According to investigators, undercover operatives purchased two heat-sealed plastic sachets containing approximately 10 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect during the operation. A subsequent body search resulted in the recovery of two more large heat-sealed sachets containing an additional 45 grams of suspected illegal drugs.

The total volume of confiscated suspected shabu reached approximately 55 grams, with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P374,000.

Authorities also recovered the marked buy-bust money, a Suzuki Raider motorcycle allegedly used by the suspect, and a Vivo cellular phone believed to have been used in his alleged drug transactions.

PDEA Regional Office 1 Regional Director Julius M. Paderes commended the coordinated efforts of the operating units following the successful operation.

"This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to hunting down high-value targets who attempt to flood our communities with bulk quantities of dangerous drugs," Paderes said. "Seizing 55 grams of shabu means we have prevented hundreds of potential drug transactions from destroying families in Ilocos Sur. Our joint operations with the PNP will continue to intensify, and we will hit these syndicates hard at every level. There will be no safe haven for drug dealers in Region 1."

The suspect remains in the custody of authorities and is facing charges for alleged violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.