Ex-Drug Offender Arrested in Catbalogan City Buy-Bust

• A former drug surrenderer was rearrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 13, Catbalogan City, in the early hours of December 31, 2025.

Let Teña 5 months ago 937

(Let Teña)

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — A former drug offender who previously surrendered due to involvement in illegal drugs was apprehended anew by authorities in a buy-bust operation conducted at 4:09 a.m. on December 31, 2025, in Barangay 13, Catbalogan City.

The operation was carried out by the operatives of Catbalogan City Police Station, Station Drug Enforcement Team (CPS-SDET), under the leadership of PLt. Col. Norman Ala, Acting Chief of Police. This was done in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) following thorough intelligence gathering.

According to the police, the arrested suspect was identified as alias “RAM,” a 35-year-old married man, currently unemployed, and a resident of Barangay 9, Bo-ao, Catbalogan City.

During the transaction, the suspect was apprehended immediately after receiving the marked money from the undercover officer.

Three packages of suspected shabu were confiscated from the suspect and the buy-bust money amounting to P500.00.

The total weight of the seized illegal drugs was 1.88 grams, with an estimated market value of P12,784.00.

All confiscated evidence was properly marked and inventoried on-site, in the presence of witnesses, in accordance with the law, the police said.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(Photos by: Let Teña)