Police in Dalaguete, Cebu, have apprehended a repeat drug offender in a pre-dawn operation, marking his third arrest for narcotics violations.
Early Morning Buy-Bust Nets Alleged Supplier
At around 1:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, operatives from the Dalaguete Police Station conducted a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Balud. The target was Venancio Amatril Muñoz Jr., also known as "Dondie Pagod," a 44-year-old resident of the area.
According to Police Major Vincent Zozobrado, the chief of the Dalaguete Police Station, Muñoz is identified as the primary supplier of illegal drugs in their locality. The operation led to the immediate recovery of evidence from the suspect.
Significant Drug Haul and Prior Convictions
Authorities confiscated several items from Muñoz:
- The buy-bust money used in the operation.
- One pack of shabu valued at P500.
- Nine small packs and one medium-sized pack of suspected shabu.
The total weight of the confiscated illegal drugs was 3 grams, with an estimated street value of P20,400. Police also recovered an additional P300, believed to be proceeds from his illicit drug trade.
Major Zozobrado revealed that this is the third time Muñoz has been arrested for drug-related offenses. He is also known in the community as a troublemaker. Records indicate he previously worked as a construction worker but was dismissed after being implicated for distributing and selling illegal drugs to his co-workers.
Facing Legal Consequences Again
The suspect is currently detained at the Dalaguete Police Station jail. He is set to face another case for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This latest arrest underscores the ongoing efforts of local police to combat the drug trade at the community level.
