Map of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte (Google image)
TACLOBAN CITY – A village chief in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte linked to the illegal drug trade was arrested during a buy-bust operation on Tuesday afternoon.
The suspect was identified as Edward Demiao Almine, 52, chairman of Barangay Talisay, who had been listed as a high-value target in the region.
In a report released Wednesday morning, the police said operatives were able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu from Almine.
Confiscated from him were one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, drug bust money amounting to PHP30,000, PHP2,383 in cash, a wallet with personal identification cards, a cellular phone, and a motorcycle with key and helmet.
Authorities conducted the inventory of the confiscated items in the place of operation in Talisay village, which was witnessed by a representative of the media, the Department of Justice, and two other elected barangay officials.
Almine will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the police said.
Meanwhile, the drug evidence will be brought to the regional crime laboratory of the Philippine National Police for chemical analysis. (PNA)
