By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – A 40-year-old male listed as high-value individual (HVI) was arrested in a joint police operation in Barangay Pating, Masbate City on Tuesday afternoon.
In a report Wednesday, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. said the suspect, identified as “Alex”, is a resident of Masbate City whose long been under police monitoring due to his reported involvement in the illegal drug trade.
He said during the search, the operating team confiscated six large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing more or less 222 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP1.5 million.
The seized illegal drugs were documented on-site and subjected to proper chain-of-custody procedures.
He is facing criminal charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and is presently detained at the Masbate City Police Station.
Babagay lauded operatives for the successful implementation of the search warrant, stressing that this accomplishment demonstrates the government’s unwavering stance in the war against illegal drugs.
“We will not allow these illicit substances to destroy lives and communities. With our strong collaboration with PDEA and other law enforcement units, we will ensure that drug personalities are brought to justice,” he said.
Follow-up investigation is underway to trace the suspect’s cohorts and the source of the confiscated drugs. (PNA)
