In a significant drug bust in Barangay Mangilag Sur, Candelaria, Quezon, authorities apprehended a 42-year-old man known as alias Rowell, who was on the Quezon Police Provincial Office’s (QPPO) high-value individual list. The operation, executed on the night of November 6, 2024, led to the seizure of 82.1 grams of shabu and 1.2 grams of dried marijuana leaves, with a combined street value of approximately PHP1.67 million. The drugs were discovered during a search authorized by a court-issued warrant.
Col. Ruben Lacuesta, the provincial director of QPPO, emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activities across the province, stating, ‘We continue to deploy anti-illegal drugs police operations throughout the province so that the safety of our countrymen can be maintained against the threat of illegal drugs.’ He further warned that lawbreakers would face consequences to preserve community peace and order.
In a separate incident, the Sto. Tomas Component City Police Station in Batangas City arrested a 32-year-old man, alias ‘Pepito,’ during a manhunt operation in Barangay Sta. Clara. Pepito, identified as the No. 4 regional most wanted person, faces 12 counts of qualified rape of a minor and three counts of qualified rape, along with other charges including sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness. He is currently detained by the Sto. Tomas police, awaiting further legal proceedings.