ORMOC CITY—Three individuals were arrested after authorities discovered at least three kilos of suspected shabu in their possession during a checkpoint operation along Maharlika Highway in Barangay New Mahayag, Catbalogan City, on January 27.
The suspects, currently detained at the Catbalogan City Police Station, were identified as alias “Don-Don,” 42, a driver; alias “Kokoy,” 48, self-employed; and alias “Mer,” 40, a construction worker—all residents of Barangay Crossing, Libona, Bukidnon.
According to a report submitted to Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the operation was conducted by the Western Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Catbalogan City Police Station (CPS), Samar Police Explosives and Canine Unit (PECU), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) K9 Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 8.
Authorities acted on intelligence information that a gray Mazda pick-up, bearing an improvised plate number, was traveling from Manila via the Matnog-Allen port en route to Bukidnon.
When the vehicle reached the designated checkpoint, officers from the Highway Patrol Group flagged it down for using an improvised plate number and instructed the driver to roll down the window.
At that moment, one of the backseat passengers exhibited suspicious behavior—clutching a sachet of suspected shabu in his right hand while trying to hide it inside a black eco bag.
Sensing the possibility of illegal contraband, officers ordered the passengers to step out of the vehicle for inspection.
The search led to the discovery of the following items: seven plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu; three yellow plastic bags containing suspected shabu; one gray Mazda pick-up; one digital weighing scale; one improvised glass pipe with suspected shabu residue; and one roll of aluminum foil.
The suspects declined to give statements to the media but claimed they were merely asked by a friend to deliver the vehicle to Bukidnon.
Authorities have already filed charges against the suspects for violating Section 5 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of illegal drugs.
The suspects remain in police custody at the Catbalogan City Police Station.
(ROBERT DEJON)
