Camp Crame Quezon City – A 62-year-old dismissed police officer was arrested in an anti-drug operation conducted in Brgy. San Francisco (Grotto), Iriga City. The successful intelligence-driven operation stemmed from the information received by IMEG Team 5, LFU, on the involvement of the said dismissed police officer in illegal drugs.

The suspect, a former policeman, was apprehended for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Based on reliable intelligence, IMEG Team 5 received reports that the dismissed officer was involved in the proliferation of illegal drugs in Iriga City and adjacent towns. Acting on this information, the team formulated an intelligence-driven operation plan that was jointly executed with SOU 5-PDEG (lead unit), PIU/PDEU, RIU 5, and Iriga CPS, Camarines Sur PPO, PRO 5, in coordination with PDEA PRO 5.

On September 29, 2025, at about 8:36 PM, operatives implemented Search Warrant No. IR-2025-47 issued by Hon. Martessa E. Nuylan-Rodrigueza, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 37, Iriga City. The swift and coordinated action resulted in the arrest of the suspect at his residence and the confiscation of drug evidence and paraphernalia.

Confiscated items included four (4) sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 10 grams with a standard drug price of P68,000.00, along with aluminum foils containing traces of shabu, disposable lighters, a digital weighing scale, a coin purse, cigarette pack, eyeglasses case, and a black touchscreen cellular phone.

These pieces of evidence will form part of the charges to be filed against the suspect. The arrested individual was properly apprised of his constitutional rights and is currently under the custody of Iriga CPS, Camarines Sur PPO, PRO 5 for documentation and filing of appropriate charges in court.

His detention marks a decisive step in ensuring that dismissed personnel who continue to engage in illegal activities are made accountable under the law.

PBGEN BONARD D BRITON, Director of IMEG, stressed the importance of the arrest, saying: “Even if this individual is no longer in the active service, his identity as a former PNP officer and pensioner continues to reflect on the organization. People in his community still recognize him as a former policeman, and his actions can damage the reputation of the police service. This is why IMEG will remain vigilant-not only against active personnel but also against those dismissed from the ranks-to ensure that integrity and accountability are upheld at all times. I commend Team 5 for their dedication in carrying out this successful operation.”

This accomplishment highlights IMEG’s commitment to protecting the honor of the police service by ensuring that even those no longer in uniform, but whose ties to the PNP remain visible to the public, are held accountable for their actions.###