COP IN DRUG WATCHLIST NABBED IN PAMPANGA DRUG BUY-BUST

BY KEVIN GALANG

OPERATIVES of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) on Tuesday arrested a policeman in a buy-bust operation in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

A report to PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez showed that the suspect was a 28-year-old patrolman included in the drug watchlist of the police.

The cop-suspect was caught in a sting at Purok 5, Bgy. San Jose, City of San Fernando.

The anti-illegal drug operation was led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, with the help of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the City of San Fernando Police Station, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 3 (PDEA RO3).

Confiscated during the entrapment was around 105 grams of shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P714,000.

The arrested cop was charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Mendez said the arrest reflects the organization’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and its continuing internal cleansing efforts within the police force.

“The arrest of a police officer who was already included in the drug watchlist sends a clear message that no one is above the law. Regardless of rank or position, those who violate the law will face the consequences of their actions,” he said.

The official added that in line with the agenda of Philippine National Police chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PRO3 will continue strengthening internal discipline, intensifying anti-drug operations, and preserving professionalism and accountability within the police organization.