Police arrested 15 suspects and seized more than 50 grams of suspected shabu in a series of anti-illegal drug operations conducted across Pangasinan from September 21 to the early hours of September 22.

The operations, conducted by various police stations and intelligence units, involved buy-bust operations and the implementation of search warrants. Several suspects were also found in possession of firearms and ammunition.

In an interview with the Daily Tribune, Police Brigadier General Crisaleo R. Tolentino said the arrests reflect the Philippine National Police’s continuing effort to remove illegal drugs from communities.

“These arrests are a clear manifestation of our commitment as law enforcers to rid our streets of illegal drugs. Every arrest and every seizure disrupts the illegal drug trade and helps keep these substances away from our communities,” Tolentino said.

In Urdaneta City, police arrested a 20-year-old man at around 4:40 a.m. on September 21 and recovered one gram of suspected shabu.

In Bayambang, a 34-year-old man was arrested at around 6:06 a.m. after police recovered two grams of suspected shabu. A separate operation in the municipality later resulted in the arrest of a 48-year-old woman and the seizure of five grams of suspected shabu at around 2:55 p.m.

Police in Aguilar arrested a 40-year-old man during the implementation of a search warrant at around 5 a.m., recovering 1.6 grams of suspected shabu and a caliber .38 revolver with ammunition.

In Bolinao, authorities arrested a 38-year-old man and seized six grams of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant.

An operation in Asingan resulted in the arrest of a 52-year-old farmer and the seizure of 16.74 grams of suspected shabu and 1.30 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves.

In Bani, police arrested a 37-year-old farmer at around 9:13 a.m. and seized 6.6 grams of suspected shabu and a caliber .38 revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition.

Authorities in Alaminos City also arrested a 46-year-old farmer and recovered six grams of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant.

In Urbiztondo, a 40-year-old woman was arrested during a buy-bust operation at around 4 p.m., resulting in the confiscation of one gram of suspected shabu.

Police in Sta. Barbara arrested a 59-year-old man at around 5:28 p.m. and seized 3.1 grams of suspected shabu and a caliber .22 revolver with two rounds of ammunition.

In Umingan, police implemented a search warrant at around 4:35 p.m. against a 39-year-old man who was reportedly at large. Authorities recovered six grams of suspected shabu, a 9mm Taurus pistol, two magazines and 15 rounds of ammunition.

Later that night, police in Villasis arrested a 41-year-old farmer and seized 0.22 gram of suspected shabu.

An operation in San Fabian at around 11:18 p.m. resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old construction worker and the confiscation of 0.2 gram of suspected shabu.

The operations continued into September 22.

At around 12:05 a.m., police in Manaoag arrested a 44-year-old candle vendor and seized 0.16 gram of suspected shabu.

In Pozorrubio, two suspects from Baguio City were arrested at around 2:25 a.m., with police recovering 2.43 grams of suspected shabu.

The latest operation listed in the report was in San Carlos City at around 3:30 a.m., where police arrested a 34-year-old man and seized two grams of suspected shabu.

The operations involved local police stations, intelligence units and drug enforcement personnel, with coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1.

The arrested suspects are expected to face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, may also be filed in cases involving the seizure of firearms and ammunition.