High-value target suspect nabbed, P81-K shabu seized in Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE CITY – Police arrested Wednesday morning an alleged high-value target "pusher" during an anti-illegal drug operation at the suspect’s residence in Upper Luke Wright, Barangay 2 here.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspect as Jay Martin Espiritu Barroca, 37, male, married, of Purok 3, Upper Luke Wright.

He was arrested following a search conducted at his residence by virtue of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Gerardo Paguio, Jr. of Regional Trial Court Branch 40.

The police report said elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit/Provincial Intelligence Unit/Special Operations Group of NOPPO, led by Police Maj. Danilo Santillan and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here, served the search warrant around 10 a.m.

Recovered during the search were two plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of PHP81,600, a digital weighing scale, and one improvised sealer.

Barroca is tagged by the police as a “high-value individual” in the database of suspected drug personalities.

The suspect is now detained as charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied against him. (PNA)