Student Arrested in Catbalogan City Buy-Bust Operation

Posted on Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:44 am

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — A 19-year-old criminology student was apprehended during a police buy-bust operation in Brgy. 13, Diversion Road, Catbalogan City, at approximately 12:06 PM on March 16, 2026.

The suspect, known as alias “Justine,” is 19 years old, single, studying criminology, and resides in Purok 4, Brgy. Mercedes, Catbalogan City. He was identified by law enforcement as a street-level individual (SLI) involved in illegal drug activities.

The operation was conducted by the Catbalogan City Police Station – Special Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) under the command of Police Captain Jefferson Arellano, Chief of Intelligence, supervised by Police Lieutenant Colonel Norman D. Ala, Acting Chief of Police, and in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU).

During the operation, authorities seized one sachet of suspected shabu used in the buy-bust transaction and eight additional sachets of suspected shabu for possession.

The confiscated illegal substances weighed around 1.42 grams with an estimated value of P9,656.00. Additionally, various drug paraphernalia and marked money totaling P500 were recovered.

The suspect and the seized items were taken to the Catbalogan City Police Station for proper documentation and handling, while charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against him.

The police are encouraging the public to assist in the fight against illegal drugs by providing information that can enhance peace and security in the community.

(Photos by: Let Teña)