The Police Regional Office 8 has apprehended the region’s Top Drug Personality during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pawing in Palo, Leyte on August 7, 2024.
PBGen Reynaldo H. Pawid, Regional Director, identified the suspect alias “Ton”, 34 years old, a resident of the same barangay, and recognized the subject as a High-Value Individual (HVI), ranking first in the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL) of this PRO.
The suspect was arrested by the personnel of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 along with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) Tracker Team, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), and the Palo Municipal Police Station.
Recovered from the suspect were 16 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or shabu weighing a total of 40.37 grams worth Php274,541.16, as confirmed by the Chemistry Report from the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) 8, dated August 8, 2024.
The suspect will be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The inquest proceedings took place at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Tacloban City, Leyte.
PBGen Pawid praised the cooperative efforts of all participating units in the execution of this high-profile arrest, which had a major influence on the drug trade in Eastern Visayas.
“This achievement shows the hard work and bravery of our police force in protecting the people of Eastern Visayas from the dangers of illegal drugs. We will keep working tirelessly to bring those who threaten the peace and safety of our region to justice,” he said.
