At nearly 1PM on Thursday, OCtber 1, a police operation along Manalo Extension corner Gacot Road in Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, ended with the arrest of a 21-year-old man and the seizure of suspected shabu valued at P4,488.
The operation, conducted by the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO), was part of its continuing campaign against illegal drugs in the city.
Police said a poseur-buyer successfully purchased a sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu from the suspect, prompting his arrest at approximately 10:59 p.m.
The seized substance weighed about 0.66 gram, according to the police report.
Recovered during the operation were the suspected drugs, a P1,000 genuine bill and boodle money used in the transaction.
The operation was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 1, in coordination with the City Mobile Force Company, the Puerto Princesa City Anti-Crime Task Force and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s MIMAROPA regional office.
Following the arrest, police marked and inventoried the seized items at the scene in the presence of the suspect and required witnesses, in accordance with established procedures.
The suspect remains in the custody of Police Station 1 pending documentation and investigation. The confiscated substance will undergo laboratory examination, while appropriate drug testing will also be conducted.
Authorities said a complaint for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed before the appropriate prosecutorial office.
PPCPO City Director PCOL Vincent C. Templo commended the participating units, citing their coordination and adherence to lawful procedures.
He said the police office would continue pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade while ensuring that enforcement operations respect human rights and remain within the bounds of the law.
The arrest adds to the city’s continuing anti-drug enforcement efforts, with police emphasizing intelligence coordination and inter-agency cooperation as part of their campaign to maintain public safety.
The suspect’s identity has not been disclosed, and the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
