High-Value Suspect Arrested as Police Recover 1.5 kg of Meth in Camarines Norte

Daet, Philippines — Philippine authorities confiscated more than ₱10 million (approximately USD 180,000) worth of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, in a major anti-drug operation carried out in Camarines Norte province on November 22, 2025.

The operation, led by the Camarines Norte Police Drug Enforcement Unit and the Daet Municipal Police Station, with support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), targeted a high-value suspect identified only by the alias “Larry.” The buy-bust operation took place at around 12:01 p.m. in Barangay Lag-on, a village in the town of Daet.

Police described the suspect as a 31-year-old call center worker from Naga City, who has been on their watchlist as a High-Value Individual (HVI) due to his alleged involvement in regional drug distribution networks.

During the sting operation, officers seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at ₱10.2 million, along with marked money, including counterfeit bills believed to have been used in the transaction.

Police Colonel Paul F. Abay, provincial director of the Camarines Norte Police, personally monitored the operation and proceeded to the scene after the arrest to ensure proper handling of evidence.

“This operation marks another significant victory in our continued campaign against illegal drugs,” Abay said. “We will not stop pursuing individuals who put our communities at risk through the circulation of dangerous narcotics.”

The suspect is now detained at the Daet Municipal Police Station and is expected to face charges under the Philippine Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).

The Philippines continues to battle widespread narcotics trafficking, with authorities conducting frequent operations to intercept illegal drugs entering or moving within the country.