High-value target arrested in Panay drug bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police arrested a high-value individual during a drug buy-bust operation Saturday evening, Jan. 24, in Barangay Linao, Panay, Capiz.

The operation was carried out by joint personnel from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Panay Municipal Police Station.

Police identified the suspect as Marvin Blanco, 29, a resident of Barangay Daga, Panay.

Authorities said a police poseur-buyer purchased one sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 6,000 from the suspect during the operation.

Operatives also recovered six large sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 115 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 782,000, along with a brown pouch and a Realme mobile phone.

The total value of the seized illegal drugs was estimated at around PHP 788,000, police said.

Blanco is currently detained at the Panay Municipal Police Station.

Police said charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspect.

The arrest forms part of intensified anti-illegal drug operations in Capiz province aimed at curbing the distribution of narcotics at the community level.