Libungan, Cotabato – A drug personality listed as a high-value target was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted in Purok Daisy, Barangay Barongis, Libungan, Cotabato, on Thursday morning, November 28, 2024.
The operation, carried out at 11:08 AM, was a collaborative effort between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cotabato Provincial Office, the Libungan Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Intelligence Division 12.
Authorities identified the suspect as John Eraste y Sabanal, 43, a mason and resident of the area. Known by the alias “John,” Eraste is a target-listed drug personality who had allegedly been involved in the illegal drug trade for over seven months.
During the operation, law enforcers confiscated 13 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of Php 8,160.00. Other items seized included a disposable lighter, a metal tube container, and the buy-bust money.
Eraste now faces charges for violating Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He is currently detained at the Libungan Municipal Police Station while awaiting the filing of formal charges.
Authorities emphasized their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations in the region as part of the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activities.