4 high-value drug suspects arrested in Eastern Visayas buy-busts

MANILA — Police arrested four alleged high-value drug personalities and seized more than P221,000 worth of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations in Leyte on October 5, Eastern Visayas top cop Romano Cardiño said.

Cardiño identified the three suspects only by their aliases “Lui,” “Alex,” and “John,” who were arrested by operatives of the Leyte Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Tabango Municipal Police Station and Provincial Intelligence Unit In Tabango, Leyte.

The top official said “Lui” and “Alex” were classified as high-value individuals (HVIs) and listed on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL). 

 “John” was also classified as an HVI but not on the priority target list.

Authorities recovered 43 sachets containing about 8.6 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P58,480.

A .45-caliber pistol with a magazine and five live rounds, as well as an undetermined revolver, were also seized.

In a separate operation in Tacloban City, police arrested another RPTL-listed suspect, alias “Marco.”

Around 24 grams of suspected shabu, valued at approximately P163,200, were confiscated from him.

Combined, police said the operations resulted in the seizure of around 32.6 grams of suspected shabu worth P221,680.

All four suspects remain in police custody and are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The three suspects from Tabango may also face charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.