The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested a suspected drug dealer during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 10, San Jose, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, on November 4, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the NBI-Laoag District Office (NBI-LADO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Laoag City Police Station.
According to the NBI, the operation followed intelligence reports linking the suspect to the alleged sale and distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, near the NBI district office.
Authorities coordinated with the Office of the City Prosecutor and barangay officials before carrying out the entrapment operation.
An NBI agent posed as a buyer and arranged to purchase Php 2,000 worth of suspected shabu from the individual.
During the transaction, the suspect allegedly accepted the marked money and handed over a matchbox containing a transparent plastic sachet of suspected illegal drugs.
The undercover agent then identified himself as a law enforcement officer and arrested the suspect.
The confiscated substance was submitted to the PNP Ilocos Norte Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
Results confirmed that the seized specimens, weighing a combined 0.16 grams, contained methamphetamine hydrochloride.
A separate drug test conducted on the arrested individual also yielded a positive result for methamphetamine, according to authorities.
The NBI said the seized evidence was marked, inventoried, and documented at the arrest site in the presence of barangay officials and a Department of Justice representative, in compliance with procedures under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Following the arrest, the suspect was brought to the NBI-Laoag District Office for booking, medical examination, and other required procedures.
On November 5, the NBI referred the case to the Laoag City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings.
Investigators recommended charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 15, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, covering the illegal sale and use of dangerous drugs.
The NBI said the operation was part of its continuing coordination with other law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug activities and strengthen community safety.
