Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte – Acting on information received through the Isumbong Mo sa PDEA Facebook page, authorities successfully conducted a buy-bust operation on December 5, 2024, at around 8:20 PM in Purok Cacao, Barangay Minaog. The joint effort involved the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office, Dipolog City Police Station-Special Drug Enforcement Team, and the Regional Drug Enforcement Team-Zamboanga del Norte.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a target-listed drug personality identified as Arnel Alpa y Lagata, a 36-year-old unemployed resident of the area.
Confiscated Evidence
During the operation, authorities confiscated:
- Two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, weighing approximately one gram, with an estimated market value of Php 6,800.
- A Maxx candy wrapper.
- A monologue cellphone.
- The marked buy-bust money.
Legal Proceedings
Alpa is now in police custody and is set to face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities commended the public for their vigilance and cooperation, emphasizing that reports through platforms like Isumbong Mo sa PDEA are vital in combatting the drug menace. The incident underscores the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety and well-being of local residents.
The PDEA and law enforcement agencies reaffirm their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations in the region.
