DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — A 36-year-old cellphone technician identified by police as a high-value target in the illegal drug trade was arrested during a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Ilaya, Dapitan City, on September 16, 2026.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG) at around 8:43 p.m., resulting in the seizure of approximately 20 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P408,000.
Police identified the suspect only as alias “Marcelito,” a 36-year-old bachelor, cellphone technician, and resident of Barangay Ilaya.
According to the police report, the suspect was apprehended after allegedly engaging in a drug transaction with undercover law enforcement personnel during the buy-bust operation.
The seized substance was reported to have a total weight of 20 grams. Authorities placed its estimated street value at P408,000.
Police classified “Marcelito” as a High Value Target (HVT) allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal drugs.
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought to the Dapitan detention cell, where he is currently being held while authorities process the appropriate criminal charges and other legal procedures.
The operation forms part of the continuing campaign of law enforcement agencies against the illegal drug trade in Zamboanga del Norte and other parts of Mindanao.
As with all drug-related arrests, the suspect remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The allegations against him will be subject to the judicial process and the evidence presented by prosecutors and law enforcement authorities.