By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao
BUTUAN CITY — Police arrested a newly identified street-level drug suspect and seized 43.87 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P297,704 in a search warrant operation in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, on Tuesday, police said.
The operation was conducted on Sept. 29 by personnel of the Cantilan Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Caraga, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13.
Police identified the suspect only as alias “Rafael,” 34, married, who was arrested in Purok 6, Barangay Parang.
The operation was carried out under a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 41 in Cantilan for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police said they recovered 17 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, along with other drug and nondrug paraphernalia.
PRO 13 director Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon described the operation as another accomplishment in the regional police campaign against illegal drugs.
“We assure the public that there will be no let-up in our efforts to eradicate illegal drugs from the streets of Caraga and ensure a safer and more secure community for all,” Suguilon said.
Police said the search and seizure was witnessed by a barangay official and a media representative.
The suspect and the seized items were brought to the Cantilan police station for documentation and proper disposition. Police said appropriate charges would be filed against the suspect.
###
