Taguig city: Two high-value individuals (HVIs) have been arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Taguig City and Bataan province, with authorities confiscating PHP5.4 million worth of suspected shabu.

According to Philippines News Agency, Col. Byron Allatog, the officer-in-charge of the Taguig City police, reported that a suspect known by the alias Rowel, aged 26, was apprehended during a drug buy-bust operation along Diamond Street in Barangay Pembo at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The operation resulted in the seizure of 565.6 grams of suspected shabu, valued at over PHP3.8 million. The confiscated drugs have been sent to the Southern Police District Forensic Unit (SPDFU) at Camp Bagong Diwa for laboratory examination. The suspect is facing charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and is currently held at the Taguig City Police Station custodial facility.

In a separate operation, the second HVI was captured by operatives of Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 in a buy-bust operation along Roman Super Highway in Barangay Tuyo, Balanga, Bataan, on September 30. PRO3 chief Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Pe±ones Jr. noted that the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Balanga CPS seized 240 grams of suspected shabu, estimated to be worth PHP1.63 million. Brig. Gen. Pe±ones emphasized the commitment of PRO3 to combat the spread of illegal drugs, stating, “This accomplishment sends a clear message that Police Regional Office 3 remains relentless in pursuing those who destroy lives and communities through the proliferation of illegal drugs. We will not stop until Central Luzon becomes a safer and drug-free region.”

The arrested HVI and all recovered evidence are now under police custody, pending the filing of appropriate charges.