TALISAYAN, Misamis Oriental — A 67-year-old man identified by authorities only as alias “Amay” was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Talisayan, Misamis Oriental, after he was allegedly caught in possession of 54.6 grams of suspected shabu valued at approximately ₱371,280.
Authorities said the suspect is included in the PNP-PDEA Top Provincial Target List, placing him among individuals being monitored as priority targets in the campaign against illegal drugs in the province.
The operation was led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, with personnel from the Talisayan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
During the operation, authorities reportedly recovered three sachets containing suspected shabu with a combined weight of 54.6 grams. The seized substance was given an estimated street value of ₱371,280, based on the valuation cited by law enforcement.
Also recovered from the suspect were the buy-bust money used during the operation and a sling bag allegedly in his possession.
The arrest forms part of continuing police and anti-drug enforcement efforts in Misamis Oriental targeting individuals identified by authorities as priority or high-value drug personalities. Police operations of this nature are conducted to disrupt the alleged distribution and movement of illegal drugs in local communities.
Following his arrest, “Amay” was placed under the custody of the Talisayan MPS for documentation, investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.
The seized substance will undergo laboratory examination to determine its composition and confirm whether it is methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities emphasized that the seized substance remains suspected illegal drugs pending laboratory confirmation, and that the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The operation highlights the continued coordination among the local police, the provincial mobile force and PDEA in pursuing individuals identified as priority targets in the province’s anti-illegal drug campaign.