LAW enforcement officers in Metro Manila dealt another blow to the illegal drug trade following a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Parang, Marikina City, on October 21, 2026.
Operatives confiscated approximately 245.84 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱1,671,712.00 and apprehended a local tricycle driver.
The sting operation was carried out at around 4:30 PM along E. Rodriguez Street by operatives from the Eastern Police District – District Drug Enforcement Unit (EPD-DDEU).
Personnel from Sub-Station 5 of the Marikina City Police Station provided crucial area security during the deployment.
Authorities identified the arrested individual as a 36-year-old tricycle driver known by the alias “Balong,” a resident of neighboring Barangay Tumana.
During the search, police recovered seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
Alongside the narcotics, law enforcement operatives seized the genuine ₱500 bill and two ₱1,000 bills used as boodle money, a gray pouch, and the suspect’s motorcycle with a sidecar, which was allegedly utilized in his illicit activities.
Following his arrest, the suspect was immediately taken to the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center for a mandatory medical examination.
He was subsequently transferred to the Marikina City Custodial Facility, where he remains detained pending inquest proceedings.
The confiscated substance was turned over to the EPD Forensic Unit in Barangay Mauway, Mandaluyong City, for laboratory testing.
Formal charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are currently being prepared against the suspect.
Eastern Police District Director Police Brigadier General Roman C. Arugay commended the operating units and reiterated the district’s firm stance against narcotics.
“Illegal drugs threaten not only the safety of our communities but also the future of our families, particularly our youth,” PBGen. Arugay stated.
He emphasized that the EPD will continue leveraging intelligence-driven operations to ensure accountability for offenders, protect the public, and uphold the rule of law across the Metro East area.
