A 23-year-old tricycle driver was arrested in a buy-bust operation by the Dagupan City Police around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, in Barangay Bonuan Binloc.

Police also caught a 15-year-old boy, said to be a neighbor and friend of the suspect, who handed over the illegal drugs to the undercover buyer allegedly.

Authorities seized about 113 grams of suspected shabu worth more than P760,000 during the operation.

“Kasi sobrang hirap ng buhay. Nagipit lang,” the suspect said.

The suspect will face drug-related charges, while the minor has been placed under the custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD).

Dagupan City Police Station spokesperson PCpt. Shayne Daciego said they are still evaluating the minor’s level of awareness in the crime:

“Kung lumabas sa evaluation na he’s doing it with discernment, yung kaso, ipa-file natin sa korte,” Daciego said.