Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police/Facebook.
Police operatives reported Saturday the arrest of a dismissed police officer and his alleged female companion during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Babatngon, Leyte, on Feb. 17.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the 55-year-old suspect was listed as a Rank 1 Regional Priority Target under Police Regional Office 8, while the 21-year-old woman was identified as a High-Value Individual.
Authorities from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 conducted a buy-bust operation at around 5:50 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion District 3, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
Investigators said an undercover operative purchased a sachet of suspected shabu using marked money before the arresting team proceeded to apprehend the suspects.
Police reported that about 39 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of Php 265,200, were seized during the operation.
Also recovered during the search incidental to arrest were a pump-action rifle, a magazine for a .45 caliber firearm, several rounds of ammunition, and a hand grenade.
The marking and inventory of the seized items were conducted at the place of arrest in the presence of the suspects and required witnesses, including a barangay official and a media representative.
Charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, Republic Act No. 10591, and Republic Act No. 9516 are being prepared against the arrested individuals, police said.