Police Operation in Tacloban Seizes Shabu Worth P5.78 Million

A high-value individual was arrested and P5.78 million worth of shabu was seized in Tacloban City on Thursday during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Tacloban City Police Office's Drug Enforcement Unit (TCPO-DEU). The operation was in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA RO-8).

According to reports, the suspect, identified only by the alias 'Gabs,' 46, an unemployed resident of Tacloban City, was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover police operative.

The authorities recovered two heat-sealed and 11 knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The confiscated items weighed an estimated 850 grams and had a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) standard value of P5,780,000.

Police said the seized evidence was immediately marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the required witnesses, in compliance with existing legal procedures. The suspected illegal drugs will be submitted for laboratory examination.

The suspect is currently under the custody of the Tacloban City Police Office. At the same time, charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him.

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III directed law enforcement authorities to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs nationwide. The operation was conducted in line with this directive.

Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) vowed to sustain intensified anti-drug operations to bring those involved in the illegal drug trade to justice. He also emphasized the police force's commitment to protecting communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.

In Eastern Visayas, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) continues to strengthen intelligence-driven anti-drug operations aimed at dismantling illegal drug networks and preventing the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the region.

Gabs is currently under investigation and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165.

The operation was a success, demonstrating the police force's commitment to combating illegal drugs. The Philippine National Police Chief directed law enforcement authorities to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs nationwide.

Gabs' arrest and the seizure of shabu worth P5.78 million are a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Eastern Visayas.

Key Facts

• 850 grams of shabu were seized • P5.78 million is the estimated value of the seized shabu • Gabs, 46, is the alias of the high-value individual arrested • The operation was conducted by the Tacloban City Police Office's Drug Enforcement Unit • The suspected illegal drugs will be submitted for laboratory examination • Charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 are being prepared against Gabs.