P267K Shabu Haul Leads to Arrest of Suspect in Tacloban

Posted on June 15, 2026 at 3:46 am

Tacloban City – A 34-year-old fisherman from Palo, Leyte was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Tacloban City on Thursday night, after police allegedly recovered more than P267,000 worth of suspected shabu from his possession.

The operation took place at around 9:10 p.m. on June 5 in Barangay 110, Utap.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Memen,” is a resident of Barangay San Joaquin, Palo. Police said he was the target of an anti-drug operation conducted by operatives of Police Station 2 in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to investigators, the suspect was arrested after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover police operative.

A search conducted after the arrest led to the recovery of six more sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

Authorities said the confiscated drugs weighed about 39.3 grams and had an estimated street value of P267,240.

Also recovered during the operation were a black camouflage sling bag, a motorcycle, a helmet, motorcycle keys, and the money used in the buy-bust operation, including a marked P500 bill.

Police carried out the inventory and marking of evidence at the scene in the presence of the suspect and required witnesses.

The arrest happened in a busy part of Tacloban where residents, workers, and small businesses are part of everyday life. The seizure of a large amount of suspected shabu has raised concerns about the continued presence of illegal drugs in local communities.

Investigators are now preparing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which cover the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs.

The suspect remains under police custody while charges are being filed.

Authorities also appealed to residents to continue reporting suspected drug-related activities, saying information from the public remains important in efforts to curb the illegal drug trade.

Photos by: Ronnie Yanuario