3 suspects yield P1.1-M ‘shabu’ in separate operations; another of same amount seized from high-valu

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI City --- Police officers have seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P1.1 million in separate buy-bust operations in Albay and Camarines Sur provinces, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) reported on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said in an interview an operation was launched in Zone 6, Barangay Marupit, Camaligan, Camarines Sur on Tuesday, which resulted in the arrest of Efren Reyes, 38, and Bessie Cabrera, 37.

Operatives seized from them 110 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P748,000.

In a separate operation in Albay, a police entrapment operation in Purok 3-B, Barangay 33-Peñaranda, Legazpi City on Sunday yielded 55 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug price of P374,000.

"The drug items were taken from a 37-year-old tricycle driver identified as Anthony Orense. He was collared by the operating team from Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 5 together with Legazpi City Police Station and 503rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 5 after selling 5 grams of shabu to the poseur buyer in exchange for the amount of P34,000," she said.

Calubaquib said a body search on the suspect upon his arrest resulted in the recovery of 50 grams more of suspected shabu valued at P340,000.

She said the suspect, who is listed by the police as a street-level individual, is under the custody of the Legazpi City Police Station and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Brig. Gen. Rudolph B. Dimas, PRO-5 chief, lauded the efforts of the operating team for the successful anti-illegal drug operations.

He vowed that the regional police, in collaboration with PDEA and the public, shall stand firm in the conduct of anti-illegal drug campaigns to finally free the community from the influence of illicit drugs.

“This once again verified our clear commitment and dedication towards our sworn duties. From this, we shall continue our operation and further enhance our efforts to elevate the way we do our services beyond expectations,” Dimas said.

Anti-illegal drugs operatives in Camarines Sur province have seized suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP1.02 million from a high-value target during a buy-bust operation on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, said suspect Gregorio Richelieu Ayen, 51, was nabbed in Zone 3, Barangay La Purisima in Pili, Camarines Sur.

"During the buy-bust, confiscated from the suspect were 150 grams of suspected “shabu” with an estimated street value of P1.02 million. The drug items were sealed in 10 transparent plastic sachets," Calubaquib said in an interview on Thursday.

Also confiscated from his possession and control was one .38- caliber revolver loaded with two rounds of ammunition and one weighing scale.

After they were marked and documented, the pieces of evidence were turned over to the Pili municipal police station for proper disposition.

The suspect will be charged for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.

Calubaquib said PRO-5 continues to gain ground on its broader and more strategic implementation of operations against illegal drugs.

PRO-5 director, Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, commended the efforts of the operating team which he said confirmed anew its dedication and proves that the Philippine National Police is manned by capable individuals ready to do their job to maintain peace and security with the end goal of creating a progressive community.

“This accomplishment is inspired by the principles of “Kaayusan and Kapayapaan” into which we constantly adhere in our police operations. Indeed, we are earning the fruits of our efforts and perseverance," he said in a statement. (PNA)

ANTI-DRUG OPS. Police authorities recover 150 grams of suspected shabu worth more than PHP1 million and a .38-caliber revolver with ammunition in a buy bust operation Wednesday (Oct. 19, 2022) in Pili, Camarines Sur. Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, said the suspect, Gregorio Richelieu Ayen, was nabbed in Barangay La Purisima. (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)