Major Drug Bust in Ormoc Targets Alleged Supplier Linked to Eastern Visayas

Posted on July 10, 2026 at 5:30 am

ORMOC CITY — A joint anti-illegal drug operation in Ormoc City before dawn on July 9, resulted in the arrest of a suspected high-value drug personality whom authorities believe was supplying illegal drugs to several municipalities in Eastern Visayas.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Ton-ton,” 51, a married driver from Barangay Jica, Ormoc City, was arrested at around 4:06 a.m., during a buy-bust operation in Barangay South.

The operation was conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Special Enforcement Team, and the Ormoc City Police Station 1 under the supervision of RPDEU Assistant Chief PMaj. Adrian Rey Lozano.

Authorities said they recovered approximately 1,060 grams of suspected shabu packed in eight heat-sealed plastic bags, with an estimated street value of P7.208 million.

Also seized were a marked P500 bill used in the buy-bust operation, P31,500 worth of boodle money, a digital weighing scale, a black sling bag, and several identification cards belonging to the suspect.

Police described the suspect as a newly identified High-Value Individual (HVI) and High-Value Target (HVT) by volume. Investigators alleged that he had been supplying illegal drugs to several municipalities in Eastern Visayas, although authorities did not identify the areas involved.

The confiscated suspected illegal drugs have been submitted for laboratory examination, while criminal charges for alleged violations of Section 5 (Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspect.

The suspect remains under temporary detention at the RPDEU lock-up facility pending the filing of charges.

RPDEU Assistant Chief PMaj. Adrian Rey Lozano said the operation reflects the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle illegal drug networks operating in Eastern Visayas.

“This successful operation is a clear manifestation of our intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Removing a suspected major supplier from the streets helps protect our communities and prevents millions of pesos worth of illegal drugs from reaching countless users. We will continue to strengthen our coordination with PDEA and other law enforcement units to ensure that those involved in the illegal drug trade are brought before the courts,” Lozano said.

Authorities said follow-up investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals who may have been connected to the suspect’s alleged drug distribution activities.

As in all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a court of law.

Photo by: Ronnie Yanuario | Vanguard