By Eva Visperas
LINGAYEN—Authorities arrested three drug suspects and confiscated more than P126,000 worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted on February 2, 2026, in the towns of Rosales and San Jacinto.
In Rosales, two male suspects identified as street level individuals, aged 33 and 52, both residents of Rosales and work as a construction worker and a tricycle driver, respectively, were nabbed.
Operatives confiscated eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 7.9 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P53,720. Also seized during the operation were a cigarette pack, boodle money consisting of three P100 bills and three P500 bills, two genuine P100 bills, a mobile phone, and a red Honda TMX 125 motorcycle believed to have been used in the illegal transaction.
Meanwhile, police in San Jacinto implemented a search warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, leading to the arrest of a 38-year-old male vulcanizer at his residence.
Authorities recovered six sachets of suspected shabu weighing 10.76 grams with an SDP value of P73,168. Also found at the scene were various drug paraphernalia, including eyeglass cases, scissors, lighters, aluminum foil, a glass tube, a plastic straw, zip-lock plastics, and several small plastics with white residue.
All suspects are now under police custody while criminal complaints for violation of R.A. 9165 are being prepared for filing before the prosecutor’s office.
Pangasinan Police Provincial Director PCol Arbel Mercullo commended the operating units and reiterated the police force’s commitment to combating illegal drugs.“This successful operation reflects our firm commitment to rid our communities of illegal drugs. We call on the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement efforts to ensure a safer and drug-free Pangasinan,” Mercullo said. (Eva Visperas)