LAW enforcers confiscated an estimated ₱442,000 worth of shabu and arrested two suspects in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pogomboa, Aguilar late Monday night, September 8.

Joint police operatives, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 1, carried out the sting operation at around 10:35 p.m.

Police identified the suspects as a 60-year-old businessman from Urbiztondo and a 56-year-old beautician from San Carlos City. Both are considered high-value targets in the illegal drug trade.

Seized from the suspects were seven heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 65 grams; a genuine ₱500 bill used as buy-bust money; nine pieces of ₱1,000 boodle money; a black sling bag and a pink pouch containing the drugs; and a blue smartphone.

The operation was documented using two body-worn cameras. The suspects and seized evidence were brought to the Urdaneta City Satellite Forensic Unit for examination and testing before being turned over to the Aguilar Police Station.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the two.

Pangasinan Police Provincial Office officer-in-charge P/Col Arbel Mercullo lauded the coordinated effort of the operating units.

“This buy-bust operation is proof that no one is untouchable. The Pangasinan PNP, together with our partner agencies, will continue to hunt down drug offenders to ensure that our communities remain safe and drug-free,” he said. (Eva Visperas)