Gun, PHP 353,600 in drugs seized in Pontevedra

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police recovered an estimated PHP 353,600 worth of suspected illegal drugs and a .38-caliber revolver with three live rounds of ammunition from a suspect in a buy-bust operation Wednesday evening, April 15, in Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz.

Police identified the suspect by the alias “Boyet,” 55, a high-value individual and drug surrenderer who is a resident of the area.

The operation was jointly conducted by the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station led by officer in charge Capt. Dennis Losbañes, the Capiz Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit headed by Maj. Syril Punzalan, and Regional Intelligence Unit 6 led by Capt. Dinners Razo, team leader.

Recovered from the suspect was one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu that served as the buy-bust item.

Police also recovered eight more heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia and PHP 1,500 in marked money.

The suspect is under the custody of the Pontevedra police.

Charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, are being prepared against him.

Buy-bust operations remain a key part of anti-drug enforcement, especially in cases involving suspects tagged as high-value individuals by police.