Bus conductor, driver nabbed for allegedly selling meth in Mindoro

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — Authorities arrested two alleged high-value drug suspects and seized some P374,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sta. Isabel here on June 2, according to a report released by police on Tuesday, June 3.

The suspects, a 32-year-old bus conductor and a 41-year-old driver, both residents of Barangay Poblacion in Bansud town, were apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative, police said.

The joint anti-illegal drugs operation was conducted by personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Mimaropa, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), and the Calapan City Police Station.

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Authorities confiscated around 55 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P374,000. Also recovered were marked buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, communication equipment, and a Toyota Hi-Ace van believed to have been used in the suspects’ alleged illegal drug activities.

Police said the inventory and marking of the seized items were conducted at the scene in the presence of a barangay councilor and a media representative to ensure compliance with legal procedures.

READ: Barangay councilor arrested in Oriental Mindoro drug sting

The confiscated substances will be submitted to the PDEA Regional Office IV-B for laboratory examination.

The two suspects are currently under the custody of PDEA and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Col. Edison V. Revita, Oriental Mindoro Provincial Police Office director, commended the operating units for the successful operation and reiterated the police force’s commitment to its anti-illegal drugs campaign. /cb