Batangas Police Operation Seizes PHP 442,000 Worth of Drugs and Loose Firearm; HVI Arrested

Batangas Police Operation Seizes PHP 442,000 Worth of Drugs and Loose Firearm; HVI Arrested

Camp BGen Vicente P Lim – The Drug Enforcement Team of Tanauan Component City Police Station successfully seized PHP 442,000 worth of illegal drugs and a loose firearm from a high-value individual (HVI) during a police operation conducted on January 4, 2025, at around 3:45 PM in Tanauan City, Batangas.

Authorities identified the arrested suspect as alias “Raymundo,” 44, a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, and listed as an HVI in the Tanauan CCPS drug watchlist. He was apprehended after selling one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be “shabu,” to a police officer acting as a poseur buyer in exchange for a PHP 1,000 marked bill.

According to the police report, the operation led to the confiscation of various items from the suspect’s possession, including 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing 65 grams with a standard drug price of PHP 442,000. Other recovered items included a .380 caliber pistol with serial number 12853 loaded with seven live rounds, a digital weighing scale, cash amounting to PHP 3,500 in various denominations, a driver’s license card, a black belt bag, a Toyota Corolla Big Body sedan with plate number TLB 366, and boodle money.

The entire operation was conducted using a Body-Worn Camera (BWC) and an Alternative Recording Device (ARD) to ensure transparency and accountability.

The arrested suspect and confiscated evidence were turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 4A for further investigation and ballistic examination.

Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T Lucas commended the Tanauan CCPS for their exemplary efforts in combating illegal drugs. “This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Through intensified operations and collaboration, we will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who threaten the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, charges for violations of Section 5 and Section 11 under Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” and Republic Act 10591, known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act,” are being prepared against the suspect for filing before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Tanauan City, Batangas.