Ang Pahayagan

PAMPANGA — A high-value drug suspect and his alleged accomplice were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Porac, Pampanga, resulting in the seizure of suspected shabu worth PHP 3.4 million, police reported Tuesday.

The suspects, identified only as “Dacula” and “Acmad,” both residents of Barangay Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac, were caught during an entrapment operation at around 5:30 PM on July 29 in Barangay Hacienda Dolores.

The operation was conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of Porac Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.

Confiscated from the suspects were approximately 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of PHP 3,400,000.

Authorities also recovered nine marked PHP 500 bills and PHP 45,500 in boodle money used in the transaction.

The suspects are now detained at the Porac MPS. Charges are being prepared against them for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director Police Brig. General Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. commended the successful operation and issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.

“This arrest sends a strong message to all those who continue to engage in the illegal drug trade—PRO3 is relentless and will not rest until every community in Central Luzon is safe from the scourge of illegal drugs,” Peñones said. “I commend the personnel of Porac MPS and Pampanga PPO for their dedication and vigilance. Let this serve as a warning that we are watching, and we will act swiftly.”

Authorities said follow-up investigations are underway to uncover the broader network involved in the illegal drug operations and to identify other possible suspects. (Jason de Asis)