Three Arrested as PDEA Dismantles Alleged Drug Den in Tacloban

Posted on October 15, 2026 at 11:25 PM

Tacloban City — Three men were arrested in a buy-bust operation that led to the dismantling of an alleged drug den in Barangay 37, Reclamation Area, Tacloban City, on October 15.

The operation was conducted at around 9:18 p.m. by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) National Special Operations Unit, with support from other PDEA units and Tacloban City Police Office Station 2.

The suspects were identified as alias “Eson,” 36, who allegedly maintained the drug den; alias “Rico,” 56, identified as an employee; and a 25-year-old man known as alias “Roy,” who was reportedly visiting the place.

PDEA operatives seized 11.84 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱53,280 and a standard value of ₱80,512, according to the agency.

The seized drugs included one sachet containing 0.05 gram of suspected shabu allegedly sold to an undercover operative and five other sachets containing a total of 11.79 grams.

Authorities also confiscated a coin purse, a lighter, improvised aluminum-foil tooters, scissors, empty plastic sachets, a mobile phone and other items. A ₱500 bill reportedly used as buy-bust money was also recovered.

The three suspects may face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11 and 12 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PDEA reported that all personnel involved in the operation were safe and accounted for.

Photos by: Alfadz Jussil Abdul Prado | Vanguard