ANTIQUE – A year-long surveillance operation culminated in the arrest of a top-tier regional drug priority target in San Jose town last Sunday, May 24.
Armed with three search warrants for violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), a joint tactical force swooped down on the residence of alias “Nonoy,” 49, in Purok Pigado, Barangay 8 at around 1:39 p.m.
Anti-narcotics teams recovered around 270 grams of suspected shabu worth P1.83 million, along with a loaded caliber .38 revolver, .9mm live rounds, and an explosive hand grenade.
Police records revealed that the suspect was previously convicted of drug offenses but walked free after the Court of Appeals overturned the ruling. Intelligence reports and tips from community members confirmed that the suspect immediately returned to his illegal trade upon release.
Police Regional Office 6 acting regional director, Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño, praised the inter-agency coordination of the San Jose Municipal Police Station (MPS), provincial drug units, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Antique, reaffirming that the regional police force remains unyielding against high-level drug rings.
The suspect was detained, facing charges for violation of RA 9165, RA 10591, and RA 9516./PN
