Store owner nabbed, P23,800 shabu seized in Ilocos Sur

A 38-year-old sari-sari store owner from Bangued, Abra was arrested after police seized approximately 3.5 grams of suspected shabu during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

The operation was conducted from 5:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. by personnel of the Santiago Municipal Police Station (lead unit), Ilocos Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (ISPDEU), and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 2nd District, Ilocos Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Ilocos Sur Provincial Office (PDEA ISPO).

Police said the operation was conducted and resulted in the arrest of the suspect, identified as a 38-year-old married man and resident of Bangued, Abra.

Authorities confiscated three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a total of 3.5 grams of suspected shabu, with a stated standard drug price of P23,800. The seized drugs consisted of the buy-bust item and additional suspected shabu allegedly found in the suspect's possession.

Also recovered during the operation were a genuine P1,000 bill used as buy-bust money, two P1,000 bills identified as boodle money, a green lighter, a small green plastic box, an iPhone cellular phone, a small black pouch, a driver's license, a St. Joseph Drug Card, and P638 in various denominations reportedly belonging to the suspect.

Police also seized an owner-type jeep in connection with the operation.

The suspect is now in police custody pending documentation and the filing of appropriate charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.