BAGUIO CITY — Law enforcement authorities successfully conducted separate anti-drug operations on June 7, 2023, resulting in the seizure of a substantial quantity of shabu with an estimated street value of Php 1,479,536.00, in a major blow to the illegal drug trade.

The operations, carried out in Baguio City and Kalinga province, also led to the arrest of four individuals who have been identified as high-value drug personalities.

According to reports submitted to PROCOR regional director David K. Peredo Jr., the apprehended suspects have been identified as Sherwin Fernandez, 34; Maria Veronica Torio, 26; Vincent Cuyopan, 34; and Clemente Allon Dumalegan, 43.

Fernandez, Torio, and Cuyopan were apprehended by a joint team of anti-illegal drugs operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Administrative Region (PDEA-CAR) and Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) at Lower Cypress, Irisan, Baguio City.

Their arrest came after they sold approximately 5 grams of suspected shabu, valued at Php 34,400.00 according to the Standard Drug Price (SDP), to an undercover operative acting as a poseur buyer.

During their apprehension, the law enforcers discovered three (3) plastic sachets containing approximately 90 grams of suspected shabu.

The estimated value of these sachets, based on SDP, amounts to Php 612,000.00.

Furthermore, authorities seized an improvised glass tooter containing approximately 120 ml of a liquid substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated value of Php 751,536.00.

These additional findings further strengthen the case against Fernandez, Torio, and Cuyopan, highlighting the magnitude of their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Kalinga, suspect Dumalegan was apprehended during the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Brgy Taggay, Pinukpuk.

Joint anti-illegal drugs operatives from various units, including Kalinga Police Provincial Office (PPO), Regional Intelligence Division (RID), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 15, conducted the operation leading to his arrest.

During the search, authorities discovered and seized 14 plastic sachets containing approximately 12 grams of suspected shabu.

The estimated value of these sachets, based on SDP, is Php 81,600.00.

The apprehended suspects will now face charges for violating RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

They will be subjected to the full force of the law, as authorities work to dismantle the drug networks they are allegedly associated with.

Shabu, known as methamphetamine hydrochloride, is a highly addictive and dangerous substance.

The recent anti-drug operations send a clear message that law enforcement agencies are unrelenting in their pursuit of individuals involved in drug-related activities.

These operations not only aim to confiscate illegal substances but also aim to disrupt the criminal networks and ensure the safety and well-being of communities across the region.

The successful operations in Baguio City and Kalinga province serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, highlighting their determination to curb the menace of illegal drugs and create a safer environment for all citizens.