Two HVTs arrested, P430K worth of drugs seized in Tayug sting

Two high-value targets (HVTs) were arrested after anti-narcotics operatives seized more than P430,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation in Tayug, Pangasinan on October 5, 2026.

The operation was carried out in Barangay Panganiban by personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 1, PDEA Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), PDEA Dagupan Office, Tayug Municipal Police Station and the Pangasinan Provincial Intelligence Team.

Arrested were alias “CD,” 29, a watch-listed personality and resident of Barangay Panganiban, and alias “MA,” 35, of Barangay Magallanes, both in Tayug.

Authorities said “CD” had been the subject of reports from residents through hotlines and social media, prompting anti-narcotics agents to conduct validation and intelligence buildup before the operation.

The sting resulted in the seizure of approximately 57 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P427,500. Authorities also confiscated two sachets of suspected marijuana, a marijuana oil vape cartridge with an estimated value of P2,500, and drug paraphernalia.

The combined value of the seized suspected illegal drugs was placed at more than P430,000.

The suspects remain in police custody and are set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, in relation to Section 26, and Section 11 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering the sale of dangerous drugs, conspiracy, and possession of dangerous drugs.

PDEA Region 1 director Julius M. Paderes, PhD, commended the operating units, particularly the coordination between PDEA Region 1 and PDEA CAR.

Paderes said the operation demonstrated the importance of sharing intelligence and coordinating enforcement efforts across regional boundaries, noting that drug networks often operate across jurisdictions.

He said PDEA will continue strengthening coordination with other law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking operations in Northern Luzon.