Daet: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Thursday the confiscation of suspected shabu, valued at PHP3.1 million, and the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) in an anti-drug operation in Daet, Camarines Norte on Wednesday evening. PRO-5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib identified the suspects as "Pao," 56, of Makati City, and "AR," 38, of Las Pi±as City. "The two are both on the list of High-Value Individuals due to their involvement in the widespread and large-scale distribution of illegal drugs," she said.

According to Philippines News Agency, operatives confiscated more or less 460 grams of suspected shabu from the suspects, with an estimated street value of PHP3,128,000. The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights in a language they understood before being brought to the Daet Municipal Police Station, along with the confiscated evidence, for proper documentation and the filing of charges.

Operatives conducted the marking, inventory, and documentation of the confiscated evidence in front of the suspects and witnesses in accordance with the law to ensure the integrity of the operation and evidence. Calubaquib added that when verified using the PNP's E-Projects system, they found out that "Pao" previously faced charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), although he was acquitted in 2024.

PRO-5 chief Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the police's continued campaign against illegal drugs in the region. "This accomplishment is a clear demonstration of our continued aggressiveness and intensified campaign of PRO-5 against illegal drugs. The public can be assured that your police force will not stop conducting operations and other measures to protect our community and maintain peace and order in the entire Bicol Region," Miranda said.