Caraga region drug suspect out on plea bargain falls anew, yields P217,600 worth of shabu
CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – An alleged high-value individual, who availed of a plea bargain in 2020, was arrested after he allegedly yielded P217,600 worth of shabu during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Paradise Village, Barangay Libertad, this city, on Wednesday, July 5.
Police Regional Office-13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said Thursday afternoon, July 6, that the suspect, alias “Jong-jong,” 37, was apprehended by the operatives of City Drug Enforcement Unit-Butuan City Police Office and Butuan City Police Station 3 in coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-13.
The operation was based on a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 2, 10th Judicial Region, Hall of Justice, Butuan City for violation of Republic Act Number 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Labra said operating units seized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 32 grams, a cellular phone, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Investigation is still ongoing, pending the arrest of his other contacts in the illicit drug trade, chief of Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) of PRO-13 Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer said.
The suspect was arrested before in a buy-bust operation in Butuan City but was released in 2020 after availing of a plea-bargaining agreement.
“Our partnership with the PDEA-13, community, and all stakeholders remains strong against illegal drugs,” said Labra.
“Through this unity, these drug peddlers and users shall have no place to hide.”