Rank 8 Drug Target Nabbed in Zumarraga Buy-Bust

Posted on August 13, 2026 at 10:05 am

Zumarraga, Samar — Police arrested a 53-year-old man identified as a high-value individual and Rank No. 8 on the Regional Priority Target List during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion 2 here on August 10.

The suspect, known by the alias “Wel,” is married, self-employed, and a resident of Barangay Mombon, Zumarraga.

Police said the operation was carried out at around 6:04 p.m. by the Zumarraga Municipal Police Station’s Station Drug Enforcement Team, with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Samar Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 8.

Authorities said they recovered four sachets of suspected shabu from the suspect.

One sachet was allegedly bought from him during the operation, while three others were reportedly recovered from his possession.

The seized suspected drugs weighed a total of 4.4 grams, with an estimated value of P29,920, police said.

Also recovered were the P500 buy-bust money, a lighter, a cellphone, P995 in cash, a sling bag, and a motorcycle.

The suspect was taken to the Zumarraga Municipal Police Station following the operation.

Police said he will face complaints for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The operation was led by PLT Joel S. Verzosa, officer-in-charge of the Zumarraga police station and team leader of the Samar PDEU, under the supervision of Samar Police Provincial Director PCOL Arwin M. Tadeo.

Authorities conducted the operation in coordination with PDEA Region 8.

Photos by: Let Teña | The Vanguard