Government employee, U.S. national nabbed in drug bust

DAVAO CITY – A government employee and his alleged accomplice were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Davao Oriental, in coordination with the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office (PPO) and the Mati City Police Station, early morning on January 31 in Martinez Subdivision, Barangay Dahican, Mati City.

According to a report from PDEA Region XI, authorities arrested two suspects: Alias “Angelo,” 37 years old, an employee of the Mati City local government unit (LGU) and Alias “Adam,“ reportedly a U.S. national

The two were caught selling suspected shabu to an undercover PDEA agent posing as a buyer.

During the operation, authorities initially purchased one sachet of suspected shabu. Additional sachets containing the illegal substance were later seized from the suspects, with a total street value of ₱120,000.

The suspects are now under PDEA custody and will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165). Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their drug network and any possible involvement of other individuals.