Joint PDEA and Police Operation Leads to Arrest of Alleged Drug Dealer in Tagbilaran City
In a coordinated effort, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bohol Provincial Office and the Tagbilaran City police station conducted a successful buy-bust operation on Monday evening, March 16, 2026. The operation took place at Purok 7, Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, resulting in the apprehension of a suspected drug personality.
Details of the Arrest and Seized Evidence
The suspect, identified by PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza as alias Rex, a 40-year-old resident of the same barangay, was arrested at approximately 8:53 PM. Authorities confiscated one package of suspected shabu weighing approximately 5 grams, with an estimated market value of P34,000. Additionally, buy-bust money and a cellular phone were seized during the operation.
According to Leia Alcantara, the information officer for PDEA 7, the operation was initiated after receiving information from the "Isumbong Mo sa PDEA" program. This tip led to a two-week case buildup, during which investigators gathered intelligence suggesting the suspect was capable of selling around 50 grams of shabu per week.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The seized evidence has been forwarded to the PNP Bohol Forensic Laboratory for chemical analysis to confirm the substance's nature. Meanwhile, charges are being prepared against the suspect for violations of Section 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related activities in the region, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation through programs like "Isumbong Mo sa PDEA."
