Construction Worker, Tricycle Driver Fall in Early Morning Drug Bust

• Two arrested in Tacloban City buy-bust: a construction worker, 28, and a tricycle driver, 34, from Barangay Paraiso allegedly sold illegal drugs.

Ronnie Yanuario 2 days ago 1.7 K

Posted on Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:55 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Two individuals were apprehended in an early morning buy-bust operation conducted by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) Station 1 Drug Enforcement Team in Barangay San Jose on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The operation took place at approximately 1:59 a.m. in Barangay 90, Payapay, San Jose, resulting in the arrest of a 28-year-old construction worker and son of a barangay official, and a 34 year-old tricycle driver who allegedly used his vehicle for illegal activities. Both suspects reside in Barangay Paraiso in the same vicinity.

Authorities confiscated 11 sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, weighing around five grams, with an estimated street value of P34,000. Additionally, drug paraphernalia, such as a cigarette pack and a plastic bottle used to store illegal substances, were seized.

A marked P500 bill used in the operation was also taken, along with a red tricycle with plate number 862HZU, reportedly owned by one of the suspects and allegedly utilized in their illicit transactions.

Police Major Kent Rivas, officer-in-charge of TCPO Station 1, said the arrests were a result of a controlled purchase where an undercover operative posing as a buyer successfully acquired one sachet of suspected shabu for P500, leading to the immediate apprehension of the suspects.

Rivas emphasized that the operation is part of the station’s intensified anti-drug efforts, carried out in collaboration with barangay officials.

The suspects are currently held at the TCPO Station 1 lock-up facility and are facing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Authorities reiterated their warning against involvement in illegal drug activities and encouraged the public to report any suspicious behavior, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs.

Police stressed the significance of sustained enforcement actions and strong community partnerships in dismantling local drug networks and maintaining peace and order in Tacloban City.

(Photo by: Ronnie Yanuario)