A 22-year-old man described by authorities as a former convict was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Santiago after allegedly selling suspected shabu and being found in possession of three larger packets of the illegal drug, authorities said.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Juls,” a resident of Purok 5-C, Barangay Santiago, was arrested during an operation conducted by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) last week in Purok 6-B of the same barangay.
According to the initial report, operatives purchased one sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect for ₱500 in a controlled transaction. The operation subsequently led to the recovery of three larger packets allegedly containing suspected shabu with an estimated combined weight of 70 grams.
Authorities placed the estimated value of the recovered suspected drugs at approximately ₱476,000.
The arrest was carried out as part of the RDEU’s continuing anti-illegal drug operations in the area. The operation was reportedly based on information and surveillance concerning the suspect’s alleged involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs.
The suspect reportedly told authorities that he had previously been arrested for an alleged shabu-selling offense. He also allegedly admitted that he had only recently used the drug.
Despite the suspect’s reported previous arrest, the latest allegations remain subject to the filing of formal charges and the outcome of the appropriate legal proceedings.
Following the operation, “Juls” was brought to Police Station 1, where authorities said he would undergo the necessary procedures for the filing of appropriate charges.
The recovered substances will also be subjected to the required examination and documentation as part of the investigation and case-building process.
The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.