A government employee classified as a high-value individual (HVI) was arrested in a late-night buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, on Saturday, Oct. 25.
The operation was carried out at around 11:41 p.m. by combined operatives of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), with support from the Sta. Catalina Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Police said the suspect, a government employee, was arrested after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer in a transaction monitored under PDEA Control No. 8-00-10252025-019.
Recovered from him were about 13 grams of suspected shabu worth P88,400 and various drug paraphernalia.
The arrested individual is now in police custody and faces charges for violation of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
NOrPPO Officer-in-Charge Col. Criscente Tiguelo said that the arrest of a government employee involved in the illegal drug trade sends a strong message of accountability.
“This operation reflects our continuing commitment to enforce the law without fear or favor,” Tiguelo said, adding “Public servants must be protectors of the people, not violators of the law.”*
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