Construction Worker Arrested in Catbalogan Buy-Bust Operation

A 45-year-old construction worker known as “Tani” was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Catbalogan City on September 21, with police allegedly recovering four suspected shabu packets.

Let Teña 2 months ago

Posted on September 21, 2026 at 5:37 PM

Catbalogan City, Samar — A 45-year-old construction worker was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, on Monday morning, September 21

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Tani,” was arrested at around 11 a.m. after police allegedly bought a packet of suspected shabu from him.

Police said three more packets of suspected shabu were found in his possession during the operation.

The four packets had a combined weight of 1.818 grams and an estimated street value of P12,362.40, according to the police report.

A P500 bill used as buy-bust money and a leather wallet were also taken from the suspect.

The operation was led by the PDEU-Samar under PLT Joel S. Verzosa, with supervision from PMAJ Juan Carlo S. Recluta, Chief of PIU/PDEU. Members of the Catbalogan SDET, led by PLTCOL Norman D. Ala, also took part in the operation, in coordination with PDEA Region 8.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of PCOL Arwin M. Tadeo, APD, SPPO.

Tani, a resident of Barangay Maulong, was brought to the Catbalogan City Police Station following his arrest.

Police said he will be charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Photos by: Let Teña