KALIBO, Aklan – A Boracay souvenir vendor was apprehended in a police buy-bust operation in Barangay Old Buswang, Kalibo town on January 8, 2026.
Police identified the suspect as Gerald “Gie” Abanes, 54, a resident of Boracay Island in Barangay Manoc-manoc, Malay town.
He was caught after he allegedly sold one plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu in exchange for P3,500 buy-bust money to a poseur buyer.
Operatives of the Aklan Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) recovered three more plastic sachets of suspected shabu inside a pouch weighing 20 grams, with an estimated market value of P136,000.
PDEU chief Police Major Jerome Manahan said the suspect was under surveillance for two weeks before the operation.
“Pumapasok ang ating suspek sa isang lodge, nag-check-in para makapagbenta ng ilegal na druga. Ang ating operatiba ay pumasok sa kuwarto para sa bilihan at naging matagumpay ang ating operasyon,” Manahan added.
Also seized from the suspect were a weighing scale and various empty transparent plastic sachets believed to be used for repacking of illegal drugs.
“Galing sa ibang probinsiya ang ilegal na druga ng suspek,” Manahan said.
The suspect is now in police custody, facing charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)./PN
