ANTI-DRUG OPERATION. Police operatives of the Cabanatuan City Police Station arrest four high-value individuals (HVIs) and seize more than Php1.9 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and cannabis-related products in two separate buy-bust operations in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, on Aug. 8 and 9, 2026. The operations yielded around 58.86 grams of suspected shabu and various suspected marijuana, kush, and cannabis resin products. (Photo courtesy of PRO3)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Four high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested and more than Php1.9 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and cannabis-related products were confiscated in two separate anti-drug operations in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, on Aug. 8 and 9, police said.
The first buy-bust operation was conducted at about 5:18 p.m. on Aug. 8 in Barangay Sumacab Norte, resulting in the arrest of two HVIs and the recovery of around 58.86 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of Php400,248.
At about 4:08 a.m. on Aug. 9, another operation in Barangay Lagare led to the arrest of two more HVIs. Police seized suspected marijuana and kush, as well as disposable vapes and cartridges containing suspected cannabis resin, with a combined estimated value of Php1,508,800.
Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, Police Regional Office 3 director, commended the operating personnel for the successive operations, noting that police units continue to perform law enforcement duties while assisting communities affected by Typhoon Maymay and the Southwest Monsoon.
“Even as our personnel continue to assist communities affected by the typhoon, our responsibility to maintain peace and order does not stop,” Mendez said.
He said the operations demonstrate PRO3’s commitment to intelligence-driven law enforcement while ensuring that sufficient personnel and resources remain available for disaster response operations.
The four suspects and the confiscated evidence were brought to the Cabanatuan City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Authorities are preparing charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Jason de Asis)