By Mary Judaline Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY – Authorities seized suspected shabu valued at more than PHP7 million and arrested a high-value drug suspect during a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-led buy-bust operation in Barangay Magatas, Sibulan, Negros Oriental early Wednesday.
PDEA-Negros Oriental Chief Elmer Ebona said the operation, conducted at about 12:26 a.m., with assistance from local and provincial police units, resulted in the arrest of Hassanor Pazaulan, also known as “Noknok,” 35, jobless, and a resident of Tamparan, Lanao del Sur.
Recovered from the suspect were about 1,050 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP7.14 million, a cellular phone, a black bag, a gold-colored plastic pack, and buy-bust money.
Ebona said Pazaulan had been under surveillance following reports linking him to the illegal drug trade.
“The suspect claimed he came to Dumaguete to meet someone but refused to identify the source of the illegal drugs,” he said.
The suspect will be turned over to local police custody for inquest proceedings and the filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities are also looking into the possibility that Dumaguete City is being used as a transshipment point for illegal drugs based on the suspect’s narrative, Ebona added.
Pazaulan will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), particularly for the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs. (PNA)
