A 30-year-old construction worker was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on 23 August, resulting in the confiscation of one gram of suspected shabu worth P6,800 based on the standard drug price.

The operation was conducted from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. by personnel of the Cabugao Municipal Police Station as the lead unit, together with the Ilocos Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit, Ilocos Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Cabugao Municipal Law Enforcement Team, and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company.

The suspect, who is single and a native of Badoc, Ilocos Norte, is presently residing in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Police said the operation resulted in the suspect's arrest after an alleged drug transaction with an undercover operative.

Authorities recovered one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing approximately one gram of suspected shabu, identified as the buy-bust item.

Also seized were one genuine P1,000 bill used as buy-bust money, a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing one folded piece of paper and four transparent plastic sachets, a pair of scissors, a brown Huawei cellphone, and a black Honda Beat motorcycle.

The inventory and marking of the confiscated evidence were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspect and mandatory witnesses, in accordance with law.

The suspect was placed under police custody for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.