Joint Anti-Drug Operation Leads to Arrest of High-Value Individual in Samar

• A 48-year-old ex-government worker, alias “George,” was arrested in a March 13 drug buy-bust in Barangay Guinsorongan. Authorities classified him as a high-value individual.

Let Teña 2 months ago 1.2 K

Posted on Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:57 am

CATBALOGAN CITY — A former government employee identified as a high-value individual (HVI) was arrested in a buy-bust operation carried out by law enforcement authorities on Friday morning, March 13, in Purok 7, Barangay Guinsorongan, this city.

The individual, known as alias “George,” aged 48, and residing in the mentioned barangay, was apprehended around 8:01 a.m. during a joint anti-illegal drug operation.

Confiscated from the suspect were one sachet of suspected shabu used in the transaction, along with four additional sachets containing the same illegal substance.

The total value of the seized items was estimated at P9,309.20, with a combined weight of approximately 1.369 grams. Additionally, a Php 500 bill used as buy-bust money was recovered during the operation.

The operation was a collaborative effort involving operatives from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the Samar Provincial Police Office (SPPO), with PMaj. Juan Carlos S. Recluta, Officer-in-charge of the PIU, leading the operation.

Personnel from the Catbalogan City Police Station under the leadership of PLtCol. Norman D. Ala, Chief of Police, and representatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA-8) also participated in the operation.

PCOL Arwin M. Tadeo, Provincial Director of the Samar Provincial Police Office, supervised the operation.

The suspect is currently in police custody as authorities prepare charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(Photos by: Let Teña)