Pampanga buy-bust nets four; seizes more than P100,000 worth of ‘shabu’

Photo from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)

MANILA, Philippines — Government agents have arrested four men in a buy-bust operation in Pampanga and confiscated more than P100,000 worth of suspected shabu.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), suspects Nomer Rivera, 49; Ervino Torres, 44; Jeffrey Nicdao, 31; and Bryan Kate Gundayao, 20, were collared in an anti-illegal drugs sting conducted on Wednesday, January 26, in Barangay Sapang Biabas, Mabalacat City.

Their arrest also led to the dismantling of the drug den allegedly being maintained by Rivera, PDEA said.

But a fifth suspect identified as Jorey Cauguiran, 44, was able to escape, it added.

Based on PDEA’s report, five plastic sachets containing crystalline substance perceived to be crystal meth or shabu, weighing around 15 grams, and other drug paraphernalia were seized at the crime scene.

Authorities said the value of the confiscated illegal drug is approximately P102,000.

The suspects will be charged for violating Sections 5, 6, 7,11, 12, and 15, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The buy-bust operation was carried out by PDEA Region 3, Nueva Ecija Police Office, and Mabalacat City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit. with reports from Jericho Zafra, trainee

KGA