HVI Nabbed With PHP1.2M Shabu in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A 22-year-old high-value individual was arrested Tuesday morning, July 1, during a raid at Sitio Tulay, Barangay Banica, Roxas City, by a joint team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Roxas City Police.

Authorities served a Regional Trial Court-issued search warrant at about 7:21 a.m. on suspect James Bocala.

Officers recovered 38 sachets of suspected shabu weighing 190 grams, with a street value of PHP1,292,000.

They also seized five live .45-caliber pistol rounds, three live .38-caliber revolver rounds and one fired .357-caliber cartridge.

Bocala will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

He had been under surveillance for a month before the operation.

Ros City Police holds him in custody pending proper disposition.

On the same day, police arrested a 35-year-old alleged drug runner, Olanie Arandez, in Sitio Narra Extension, Barangay Punta Tabuc.

They seized 25 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP170,000 from Arandez.

He admitted involvement in the drug trade, blaming financial hardship.

Arandez is also in Roxas City Police custody and will be charged under RA 9165.