BAUNGON, Bukidnon — A former police officer was arrested during a drug buy-bust operation conducted by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay Imbatug, Baungon, Bukidnon, resulting in the confiscation of suspected shabu valued at up to ₱50,000.
The operation was carried out at around 10:40 a.m. on Friday following weeks of surveillance by PDEA Bukidnon operatives. The suspect, identified only by his aliases “Inting” and “Teng,” 56, married, and a stall owner residing in Purok 4, Barangay Imbatug, was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative.
According to authorities, the suspect sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱500 to a poseur-buyer, prompting law enforcers to immediately arrest him.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s belongings, including a case containing his reading glasses, led to the discovery of additional packets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu. Authorities recovered a total of four large sachets and six smaller sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
The confiscated illegal drugs were estimated to weigh approximately five grams, with authorities placing their street value between ₱34,000 and ₱50,000. Drug paraphernalia and various personal belongings were also seized during the operation.
The buy-bust operation was witnessed by members of the media, barangay officials, and local police officers in compliance with legal procedures governing anti-drug operations.
Despite the evidence recovered, the suspect reportedly denied ownership of the illegal drugs and paraphernalia found in his possession. However, he admitted to authorities that he occasionally used illegal drugs.
Investigators revealed that the suspect is a former police officer who had previously been arrested and convicted for drug-related offenses. He reportedly served several years in prison after being found guilty of involvement in illegal drug activities. Authorities also disclosed that he is listed on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Drug Watch List in Barangay Imbatug.
The arrested suspect was transported to the PDEA Regional Office for documentation and further processing. The seized substances will undergo laboratory examination to confirm their composition.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly provisions relating to the sale and possession of illegal drugs.
PDEA officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations across Bukidnon and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in the campaign against illegal drugs.
The arrest underscores the government’s continuing crackdown on illegal drug activities, even against individuals previously entrusted with enforcing the law.