Camarines sur: The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) successfully apprehended a high-value drug suspect during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation in Camarines Sur. This operation led to the confiscation of suspected shabu worth more than PHP7 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. confirmed the arrest of the suspect, known by the alias Ric, a 41-year-old originally from Naga City, Cebu, who currently resides in San Roque, Pili, Camarines Sur. The arrest followed extensive intelligence and surveillance operations which established Ric's involvement in illegal drug activities. This subsequently set the stage for the buy-bust operation, during which Ric sold shabu to an undercover operative, resulting in his immediate capture.

The operation yielded the seizure of 21 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu, totaling 1,050 grams. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs stands at PHP7,140,000. Brig. Gen. Babagay emphasized the ongoing commitment of the police force to combat illegal drug activities, urging personnel to remain diligent and aligned with the directives of Acting Chief, PNP, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework.

The suspect and the confiscated drugs were transported to the Minalabac Municipal Police Station for further processing. The operation was executed at approximately 1:48 a.m. in Barangay Irayang Sulong, Minalabac, Camarines Sur, by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU 5). This was done in collaboration with the Minalabac Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit, and the 501st Maneuver Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion.