The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Bicol (PDEA-V) confiscated P2 million worth of illegal drugs in Sorsogon City during a recent operation.
According to PDEA-V spokesperson Carlo Fernandez, authorities seized 300 grams of suspected shabu in the buy-bust operation.
The suspect, a 31-year-old shoemaker from Barangay Arroroy, Masbate, was arrested by the special enforcement team.
Charges are being prepared against the suspect, who is considered a high-value target involved in drug distribution across the Bicol Region.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the suspect tested positive for drug use, but he faces violations under Republic Act 9165, specifically Sections 5 and 11, which penalize illegal possession and sale of drugs.
The PDEA urges communities to report any information related to illegal drug activities in their areas.
The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) is the primary law governing drug-related offenses in the Philippines.
It imposes strict penalties on individuals involved in drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing, with life imprisonment or death penalty for major offenders before capital punishment was abolished.
The Philippine Drug War, launched in 2016, intensified anti-drug operations, leading to thousands of arrests and seizures nationwide.
Despite controversies surrounding enforcement methods, the government continues to strengthen drug prevention programs and rehabilitation efforts.