SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A suspected drug pusher was arrested here on Sunday after authorities conducted an entrapment operation at the Central Business District in this Freeport.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Intelligence and Investigation Office (IIO) chief Rodel del Rosario identified the suspect as Robert Balajadia, a 53-year-ld resident of Barangay New Kalalake in Olongapo City.
The buy-bust operation was a collaboration among the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zambales, the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO) Station 3 Drug Enforcement Unit led by Major Edmer Gloria, and the SBMA IIO.
Balajadia, who was in the drug list of the local police, was arrested at a vacant area behind Nathaniel’s restaurant at the corner of Dewey Avenue and Aguinaldo Street here.
Operatives confiscated from the suspect two pieces of small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, which he sold to a poseur-buyer, another small drug sachet found in his possession, and P1,000 marked money used in the buy-bust operation.
The suspected drugs weigh about 15 grams and are estimated to have a street value of P97,500.
Authorities also impounded a gray Toyota Hi-Ace GL van with plate number PYO 813, which the suspect used in selling the alleged illegal drugs.
Authorities said that charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being readied against the Balajadia.
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma lauded the joint operation, calling it “further proof of the single-mindedness of purpose among authorities to eradicate drugs in the Subic Bay area.”
Among the action plans Eisma unveiled early this year under the Subic agency’s 10-point agenda were the strengthening of partnership with the PDEA, PNP and other law enforcement agencies to intensify the campaign for a drug-free Subic Freeport.