Posted on Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:21 am

JULITA, Leyte — Three individuals were apprehended by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 8 in a successful buy-bust operation that resulted in the closure of a suspected drug den on February 26, 2026, at approximately 2:39 p.m. in Barangay District 2 Poblacion, Julita, Leyte.
The operation was conducted by the PDEA Leyte Provincial Office (LPO) in collaboration with the Leyte Provincial Police Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and the Julita Municipal Police Station.
The suspects were found in possession of four (4) heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, weighing approximately 15.05 grams with an estimated street value of P102,340.00.
Additionally, authorities confiscated a black Android cellular phone, a black coin purse, two lighters, two strips of aluminum foil, PHP 100 in cash, and one genuine PHP 500 bill marked as buy-bust money.
The arrested individuals were identified as alias Lalab, 41 years old, alias “Joaquin,” 46 years old, single, a carpenter and a resident of Brgy. District 4 Poblacion, Julita, Leyte, listed as a visitor, and alias “Ivan,” 30 years old.
They will be charged with various violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The suspects are currently detained at the PDEA Region 8 lock-up facility, awaiting formal charges.
(Photos by: Ronnie Yanuario)


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