CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Two more foreign nationals tagged as high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested in a separate anti-illegal drug operation in Angeles City on October 17, 2026, a day after authorities seized nearly P6 million worth of ecstasy from another foreign suspect in the city.
The latest arrests underscore the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) against foreign nationals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade in Central Luzon.
The latest buy-bust was carried out at around 5:40 p.m. in Brgy. Balibago by the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, with support from the City Intelligence Unit, Police Station 4, RID-RSOG, Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 3, and Mabalacat City Police Station, in coordination with PDEA Region 3.
The suspects, both Nigerian nationals and residents of Mabalacat City, Pampanga, were listed as High Value Individuals.
Recovered during the operation were approximately 12 grams of suspected dried marijuana, one gram of suspected high-grade marijuana or Kush, and 60 suspected ecstasy tablets, with a combined Standard Drug Price of P104,940.
The suspects and the seized evidence were brought to the CPDEU office for investigation and proper disposition. Charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared for filing.
The operation came a day after another listed HVI, also a Nigerian national, was arrested in Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City, where police recovered 3,510 suspected ecstasy tablets valued at P5.967 million.
Police are now checking whether there is any connection among the arrested personalities, particularly in the source and distribution of ecstasy and other illegal drugs in the area. Authorities stressed that any possible link remains subject to further intelligence work and investigation.
PRO3 Director P/Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said that the successive arrests show why follow-through is important in every anti-drug operation.
“We do not look at an arrest as the end of an operation. Every case gives us information that may lead to other personalities, sources, or distribution networks. Our units will continue working on these leads and determine whether there are connections that need to be pursued,” he added. (UnliNews Online)
