MORE THAN P1 million worth of marijuana was seized by elements of Eden Police Station after arresting a top regional target during an operation in Purok 3, Sitio Habana, Barangay Catigan, Toril District, at around 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10.
Eden Police Station chief Major Jonnel Bonguyan identified him as Prince Ian Arendain Sambalud, 18, single, student and a resident of NHA Village, Buhangin District.
Accordingly, the suspect was arrested after the police poseur buyer successfully purchased one small brick of suspected dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops wrapped in transparent plastic cellophane in exchange for P500 money and P4,500 fake money.
Confiscated from his possession were 11 large bricks of suspected dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops weighing 11.37 kilograms with a total worth of P1.3 million, cash bills, and
a white Kim Sardines Box, the report said.
In an interview yesterday, Bonguyan said they placed Sambalud under surveillance before initiating the buy-bust on Monday.
“Nataymingan lang to didto sa Catigan ang transaction, siguro napili nila ang area sa Toril kay mingaw ang area (We finally caught up with him in Catigan to finalize the transaction. They chose the area in Toril because it’s quite deserted),” he said.
Police are still investigating the primary source of the suspect, considering the volume of marijuana seized from his possession.
He added that the suspect was considered a top high-value target in the region.
As of this writing, the suspect is held at the Eden Police Station while cases for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are set to be filed against him through summary inquest proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Eden Police Station commander said they strengthened their anti-illegal drug operations to ensure the safety of the communities. He also warned those planning to sell illegal drugs in his area to stop or face the full force of the law.
