Police in Central Luzon arrested five individuals and confiscated over Php 1.6 million worth of suspected shabu in a series of anti-drug operations on Monday, April 28, as part of the intensified campaign of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) against illegal drugs.

In Sta. Rita, Pampanga, a high-value target identified as alias “Saudi Boy,” 40, was apprehended around 12:06 PM in Brgy. San Isidro. The Pampanga Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), in coordination with Sta. Rita MPS and PDEA Region 3, recovered approximately 179 grams of suspected shabu worth Php 1.2 million, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone.

Later, at around 1:20 PM, two other high-value suspects — alias “Joma” and “Bonsai” — were caught in a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Malabanias, Angeles City, led by the Angeles City Drug Enforcement Unit (ACDEU), City Intelligence Unit, and Police Station 4. Authorities seized an estimated 5 grams of suspected shabu worth Php 34,000.

Meanwhile, in Brgy. Saguing, Dinalupihan, Bataan, a third operation at 4:50 PM led to the arrest of alias “JC,” 33, and alias “Andrei,” 29. The Dinalupihan MPS Station Drug Enforcement Unit recovered five sachets of suspected shabu weighing 65 grams, valued at around Php 442,000.

The suspects will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Jean S. Fajardo emphasized the region’s firm stance against illegal drugs, saying: “These successive arrests of high-value individuals show our relentless commitment to dismantling the drug trade in Central Luzon. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities so we can work together to keep our communities safe.”