A high-value individual was arrested in a buy-bust operation with 14 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing around 500 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P3.8 million. 

The 27-year-old suspect was arrested at his own residence in Barangay Santol, Balayan, Batangas.

“Initially, hindi naman ganoon kalaki ang tina-transact namin sa kaniya. ‘Yun lang, at that time, doon sa bahay niya, nandoon din 'yung drugs, nasa labas din po, kita ng arresting officer, kaya after ng buy-bust, nakita na rin ‘yung bulto ng drugs na in possession ng suspect,” PMAJ. Domingo Ballesteros, Jr., Chief of the Balayan Police Station, said.

During the operation, a vault allegedly containing the bulk of the illegal drugs was discovered by the poseur buyer.

Authorities also seized a weighing scale, a cell phone, and the buy-bust money. 

While the amount of shabu was significant, authorities clarified that the apprehension was unrelated to the seizure of 1.4 tons of shabu in Alitagtag, Batangas on April 15, 2024.

“Kasama din po namin kasi 'yung DEU (Drug Enforcement Unit), so kita po nila' ‘yung evidence po ng nasa Alitagtag, tsaka ‘yung sa na-recover po namin. Magkaiba po siya ng kulay, 'yung shabu na in possesion na na-recover namin at tsaka ‘yung na-recover po sa Alitagtag,” Ballesteros said.

The suspect was made to undergo inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Ballesteros urged residents to cooperate and inform authorities of suspicious activities they may encounter.

“Humihingi po kami ng tulong at cooperation sa ating mga residente, na kung may mamo-monitor po sila na mga personalities na involved sa illegal drugs ay ipagbigay alam sa amin para ma-check namin at hindi na kumalat pa,” he said.