Suspected shabu worth approximately P14 million was seized in Tacloban City, Province of Leyte. 

The joint buy-bust operation was carried out in Barangay 62-B, Tacloban City afternoon on November 18, 2024, that led to the arrest of a certain “Jade,” a 38-year-old construction worker, a resident of said barangay, and is deemed a “top regional priority target drug personality,” according to Tacloban City Police. 

The joint operation was conducted by personnel of the Tacloban City Police Office - City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU), Tacloban City Police Office - City Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division 8, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 8. 

“To ensure transparency and adherence to protocol, the operation was carried out with the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) and Alternative Recording Devices (ARD),” Tacloban City Police Office said in a post on its official social media page.

The haul weighed approximately 2.1 kilograms with an estimated street value of P14,280,000.

The suspected shabu was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) 8 for chemical analysis.

Criminal charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have been prepared against the suspect. 

“Congratulations to all those involved in the success of this anti-illegal drug operation. Your dedication and teamwork have made our community safer and stronger. This achievement is a significant step in our ongoing fight against crime and drug abuse,” Police Colonel Noelito Getigan, city director, said. 

He also encouraged the community and local government units to “work closely with the police by providing real-time information, so the problem of illegal drugs can be resolved.”