Ang Pahayagan

BULACAN — A breakthrough in the regional drug campaign unfolded Sunday morning as police arrested a suspected high-value drug personality during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Virgen Delas Flores, Baliwag City.

Nearly half a kilo of suspected shabu, valued at over PHP 3.2 million, was seized in the tightly coordinated operation.

The suspect, known only as “Rex,” 45, and a resident of Barangay Sto. Cristo in the same city, was cornered by members of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Baliwag City Police Station around 8:20 AM, July 20.

Police operatives recovered a total of 475.5 grams of suspected shabu, concealed in multiple transparent packs and a heat-sealed sachet. A notable detail was the use of a plastic bag bearing foreign text and labeled “Freeze-dried Durian,” which authorities suspect was an attempt to mask the contents during transit.

Also seized during the operation were PHP 6,000 in buy-bust and recovered marked money, now considered critical evidence.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director Police Brig. General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. lauded the swift and calculated actions of the Baliwag police, stating that their precision reflects the growing competence and resolve of anti-drug units in Central Luzon.

“This operation is not just another arrest—it’s a message,” Peñones said. “Our strategy is firm, our commitment is clear. We are dismantling drug networks from the ground up, and we won’t rest until our streets are safe and drug-free.”

The suspect is now under police custody as charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being readied.

Authorities said intelligence gathering and surveillance played key roles in the operation, and follow-up investigations are underway to determine if the suspect is connected to a larger drug syndicate operating in the province. (Jason de Asis)