A 40-year-old man identified by authorities as a high-value drug target was arrested after anti-narcotics agents seized about P47,600 worth of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Ayusan Norte here on 15 September 2026.

The operation was carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Ilocos Sur Provincial Office with support from various PDEA and police units.

Authorities implemented Search Warrant No. 02-S2026, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Vigan City, against the suspect identified only as alias “Joe.”

PDEA identified the suspect as a 40-year-old single, unemployed resident of Barangay Ayusan Norte.

Six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately seven grams in total, were confiscated during the operation. Authorities placed the standard Dangerous Drugs Board value of the seized substance at P47,600

Drug paraphernalia were also recovered from the suspect, according to PDEA.

The operation involved the PDEA Airport Interdiction Unit, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, Vigan City Police Station, Ilocos Sur Maritime Police Station and the Ilocos Sur Provincial Intelligence Team.

PDEA Regional Director Julius M. Paderes said the agency would continue to prioritize the arrest of high-value drug targets and the disruption of local drug distribution networks.

The suspect is facing possible charges for violations of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, respectively.

The suspect remains in police custody pending the filing and determination of the appropriate charges by prosecutors.