LUCENA CITY, Philippines — Anti-narcotics operatives seized approximately P3.7 million worth of suspected shabu (crystal meth) and arrested a high-value drug suspect in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The operation is part of an intensified campaign by the Quezon provincial police to dismantle local drug distribution networks.
The suspect, whose identity has been withheld pending further investigation, was apprehended in a coordinated sting led by the Lucena City Police Station’s drug enforcement unit.
The buy-bust took place in one of the city’s coastal barangays following weeks of surveillance:
- The Seizure: Authorities recovered several large heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The total weight of the haul is estimated at over 180 grams.
- Valuation: Based on the current street price of approximately P20,400 per gram, the seized drugs have a total market value of P3,672,000.
- High-Value Target: The suspect was classified as a “High-Value Individual” (HVI) due to the volume of drugs recovered and the suspect’s alleged role in a wider regional drug syndicate.
This major haul follows a string of successful operations in the city throughout late April 2026:
- April 27: A female suspect alias “Collen” was arrested with P2.1 million worth of shabu. She allegedly used an online selling business as a front for her illegal activities.
- April 22: A buy-bust in nearby Rizal involving Lucena-linked operatives yielded P680,000 worth of the illegal substance.
- Late March: Two other high-value targets were collared in Barangay Ibabang Dupay with a massive P6.1 million haul.
The suspect is currently detained at the Lucena City police lock-up facility.
- Charges: A formal complaint is being prepared for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), specifically for the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
- Investigation: Police are currently tracking the source of the drugs, with initial leads suggesting the supply may be coming from outside the province via the local port or major highways.
Lt. Col. Ryan Hernandez, Lucena City police chief, emphasized that the recent success of these operations is due to increased community vigilance and reports from local residents. “We will not stop until we have cleared our streets of these high-level pushers who continue to threaten the safety of our youth,” he stated in a report on Wednesday.