TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities arrested a 41-year-old driver on April 16, 2025, after seizing around 15 kilos of suspected shabu from his vehicle along Maharlika Highway in Barangay New Mahayag, Catbalogan City.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Toper,” is a resident of Barangay Lote, Naga City, Cebu.
Colonel Antonietto Eric Mendoza, director of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO), praised the coordination among law enforcement agencies, calling the operation “a solid example of inter-agency teamwork leading to a major blow against the illegal drug trade.”
“This arrest and the confiscation of 15 kilos of suspected shabu reflect our relentless commitment to keep Samar safe from the drug menace. We will not back down in our fight against illegal drugs,” Mendoza said.
The seized contraband was said to have a commercial value of more than P100 million.
The operation was spearheaded by the Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team under Lieutenant Joel Camagong and supervised by Lieutenant Colonel Davin Brillantes of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–Eastern Visayas.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit led by Lieutenant Colonel J-rale Paalisbo; Catbalogan City Police Station under Lieutenant Colonel Daryll Chua; the Samar Provincial EOD and Canine Unit led by Chief Master Sergeant Peter Jerome Mendoza; the Philippine Coast Guard K9–Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group; and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
(RONALD O. REYES)
