Catbalogan City Buy-Bust Nets High-Value Drug Suspect

• Catbalogan City police arrested a high-value drug suspect, alias “Noli,” 42, in a January 11 buy-bust operation that seized nearly five grams of suspected shabu.

Let Teña 6 months ago 1.7 K

Posted on Jan. 15, 2026 at 1:42 pm

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — A high-value drug suspect was arrested in Catbalogan City after authorities confiscated nearly five grams of suspected methamphetamine (“shabu”) during a buy-bust operation on the evening of January 11, 2026.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Noli,” 42, single, and employed at Primark, resides in Brgy. 6, Catbalogan City. The operation took place in Brgy. 11 at 7:01 p.m., led by the Catbalogan City Police Station’s Special Drug Enforcement Team (CPS-SDET) under PCPT Jefferson P. Arellano, supervised by Acting Chief of Police PLTCOL Norman D. Ala, and coordinated with PDEA Samar.

Authorities confiscated:

One (1) sachet of suspected shabu (buy-bust item)
Six (6) additional sachets of suspected shabu
Buy-bust money: Php 500
Total weight: 4.75 grams
Estimated street value: Php 32,300
One (1) black Realme Android cellphone
Php 40 cash
One (1) full knife (“sipol”)

All items were marked and inventoried on-site in the presence of invited witnesses in accordance with the law. The suspect is now in custody at Catbalogan CPS, and charges under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared.

Peace and Order in Catbalogan

Authorities said Catbalogan City has maintained relatively stable peace and order despite ongoing anti-drug operations. Coordinated efforts with barangay officials, increased community patrols, and collaboration with PDEA have helped curb illegal drug activities in the city.

Acting Chief PLTCOL Ala stressed, “This arrest reflects our continued commitment to keeping Catbalogan safe and drug-free. We encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.”

Catbalogan City, the capital of Samar province, has a population of over 110,000 residents. Barangays actively participate in peace and order initiatives, including localized anti-drug councils and community policing programs, as part of a broader effort to maintain public safety.

(Photos by: Let Teña)