OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental — A routine police checkpoint operation in Oroquieta City led to the arrest of a 42-year-old jobless man and the confiscation of more than P1 million worth of suspected shabu late Tuesday night, June 9.
The operation was conducted at around 11:00 p.m. at the checkpoint area in Purok 5, Barangay Pines, Oroquieta City, under the supervision of PMaj. Adrian A. Nalua, Officer-in-Charge of the Oroquieta City Police Station.
Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias “Mon,” a resident of Barangay Eastern Looc, Plaridel, Misamis Occidental. He is single and reportedly unemployed.
According to police reports, officers intercepted the suspect during the checkpoint operation and discovered multiple sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
Recovered from the suspect were:
- 10 small rectangular sachets
- 11 large rectangular sachets
- 2 large square sachets
- 6 extra-large square sachets
The seized illegal drugs had a total estimated weight of 160 grams and a street value of approximately P1,088,000.
Police said the substantial quantity of suspected shabu indicates that the suspect may have been involved in the distribution of illegal drugs within the province and neighboring areas. The confiscation is considered a significant accomplishment in the continuing campaign against illegal narcotics in Northern Mindanao.
The suspect is currently under police custody while authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
The seized substances will be submitted to a forensic laboratory for chemical analysis to confirm their composition.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying checkpoint operations and anti-drug enforcement activities to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and dismantle drug networks operating in Misamis Occidental.
“This successful operation highlights the importance of sustained law enforcement efforts and public cooperation in keeping communities safe from the dangers posed by illegal drugs,” police authorities said.
The arrest comes amid the Philippine National Police’s continuing drive to strengthen anti-illegal drug operations and prevent the flow of narcotics across cities and municipalities in the region.