MORE than P2.5 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted by three police stations in the province of Bohol, resulting in the arrest of four individuals.
The latest suspect arrested was a 33-year-old tricycle driver in Purok 2, Barangay Tubodio, Loon town, at 8 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025.
The Loon Municipal Police Station identified the suspect as Elmer Jay Maputol, 33, a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Bayabas in Guindulman town, Bohol.
Operatives seized 255 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P1.7 million. Also recovered were a cellphone, buy-bust money, and a sling bag containing the drug packets.
During the buy-bust operation, when Maputol realized he was dealing with undercover police officers, he attempted to escape. Fortunately, one of the operatives was able to hold onto him.
However, amid the commotion, the suspect grabbed a piece of wood and hit the officer before fleeing toward Barangay Cogon Norte.
Police in Loon have launched a hot pursuit operation, and as of this report, the manhunt is ongoing.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation earlier that same day at 6:35 a.m., the Balilihan Police Station arrested a suspected drug pusher in Purok 2, Barangay Cogon, Balilihan town.
The suspect was identified as Richard Monton, 37, a resident of Booy Annex, Purok 4 in Tagbilaran City.
Confiscated from Monton were packets of shabu weighing 100 grams, with a standard drug price of P680,000.
According to Balilihan police, Monton was already known in the area as a drug pusher. After validating intelligence reports and conducting surveillance, authorities proceeded with the buy-bust operation.
Monton was reportedly selling in Barangay Cogon and nearby areas, distributing up to 50 grams of shabu per week.
In Tagbilaran City, police arrested two drug personalities at 4:57 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Purok 3, Barangay Taloto.
The suspects were identified as Andrew Pelias, 44, and his associate Jan Anthony Gil Arcayan, 19, both residents of Barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel John Kareen Escober, chief of Tagbilaran City Police Station, the operation resulted in the seizure of 25 grams of shabu valued at P170,000.
The suspects now face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). The seized evidence is currently in the custody of the Bohol Forensic Unit 7 for chemical analysis. (AYB)