TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) achieved a major breakthrough in the campaign against illegal drugs with the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) and 10 street-level individuals (SLIs) in separate buy-bust operations across the region on January 13, 2025.
In Carigara, Leyte, the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Carigara Municipal Police Station apprehended a high-value target identified as alias “Rolly,” a 74-year-old unemployed resident of Barangay Sagkahan. Confiscated from the suspect were 18 sachets of suspected shabu and buy-bust money.
Meanwhile, in Ormoc City, joint operatives from Ormoc City Police Station 5 (OCPS5-SDET) conducted a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of another HVI, alias “Rom,” 54, along with three SLIs identified as “Jon,” 50, “Ake,” 53, and “Rus,” 33. Authorities seized six sachets of suspected shabu and buy-bust money during the operation.
In a separate operation in Brgy. Matapay, Hilongos, Leyte, seven SLIs were arrested by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of the Hilongos Municipal Police Station.
The suspects were identified as “Jensen,” 39, “Paul,” 36, “Nelson,” 29, “Raul,” 30, “Jeff,” 32, “Jun,” 28, and “Leo,” 40. Confiscated during the operation were ten sachets of suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and various drug paraphernalia.
All confiscated evidence was properly marked and inventoried in the presence of the suspects and witnesses.
The recovered sachets of shabu were submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 8 for examination to determine their weight and drug value.
Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed against the suspects.
B/Gen.Jay Cumigad, the police regional director, lauded the operatives for their successful operations, attributing the arrests to efficient intelligence work and strong collaboration among local police units.
“This is a significant step in our relentless efforts to dismantle drug syndicates and ensure the safety of our communities,” Cumigad said. He added, “With the election period underway, we are committed to enforcing the rule of law and preventing illegal activities from disrupting peace and order.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
