2 KILOS SHABU. Shown in photo is a large plastic pack containing two kilograms of suspected shabu worth PHP13.6 million seized from a high-value target drug suspect in Dumaguete City. The anti-drug operation was conducted by police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives on Tuesday (Oct. 1, 2019). (Photo by Juancho Gallarde)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Joint police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives seized some two kilos of suspected shabu from a “high-value target” drug peddler during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camanjac here on Tuesday afternoon.
The suspected shabu was estimated to be worth PHP13.6 million based on the Dangerous Drugs Board value.
An initial report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspect as Jake Lester Alesna Esquilona, 22, resident of Sitio Kabulakan, Barangay Poblacion in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Esquilona, tagged as a high-value target at the regional level, was arrested around 5:10 p.m. Tuesday in Purok Makugihon of the said village.
Recovered from him was one big plastic pack containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu placed inside a backpack.
Also confiscated were the suspect's Suzuki Raider motorcycle and a cellular phone.
Esquilona is now detained pending the filing of formal charges against him for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The arresting operatives came from the NOPPO Provincial Intelligence Branch/Special Operations Group, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the PDEA-Negros Oriental, and the Dumaguete City Police Station. (PNA)
