ANTIQUE — Authorities arrested Antique’s top drug target and seized more than P2.3 million worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Funda-Dalipe , San Jose town, on February 11.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Mokie,” 38, a jobless resident of San Jose, was apprehended at around 5:15 p.m. during a joint operation led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO), in coordination with the San Jose Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Antique.
Police said the arrest stemmed from a well-coordinated operation in which operatives transacted with the suspect for the purchase of P100,000 worth of shabu.
After the transaction was completed, authorities recovered approximately 340 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with a standard drug price estimated at P2,318,800.
Eight transparent plastic sachets containing the suspected illegal substance were confiscated, along with the marked buy-bust money, a Toyota Vios sedan, and other non-drug-related evidence believed to be relevant to the case.
Col. Ryan Devaras, director of the APPO, said the suspect had long been under surveillance and was allegedly engaged in the distribution of illegal drugs across the province.
Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brig. Gen. Josefino D. Ligan commended the operating units for the successful arrest of the high-value individual.
“This successful seizure is another strong step in our intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Every confiscation prevents harm to families and protects our communities from the dangers of substance abuse. We urge the public to continue supporting our efforts through vigilance and cooperation,” Ligan said.
The suspect is now detained at the San Jose Municipal Police Station and is set to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)./PN
