In a determined effort to suppress illegal drug activities, the Eastern Police District, through the Marikina CPS Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU), carried out a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Nangka, Marikina City at around 3:45 AM on July 15, 2025. The operations led to the arrest of a 22-year-old woman a.k.a “Luna,” single and newly identified High-Value Individual (HVI). This significant breakthrough highlights the district’s relentless commitment to dismantling drug networks and bringing high-profile offenders to justice.
The operation stemmed from the information provided by a confidential informant on the suspect’s involvement in illegal drugs. Records also disclosed that the suspect, together with four others, had been apprehended for a similar offense involving illegal drugs sometime in August 2018 at Golden Valle, Subdivision, Malanday, Marikina City conducted by SDEU Marikina CPS.
Acting on the report, Marikina SDEU operatives conducted surveillance and verification which yielded to the conduct of operations and arrest of the suspect. They executed a planned operation involving an undercover agent who completed a transaction with the suspect. The suspect was then taken into custody upon receiving the marked currency. Authorities confiscated 18,100 grams of suspected dried marijuana leaves with fruiting tops, with Standard Drug Price of Php2,172,000.00, and recovered the buy-bust money composed of two pieces one-thousand peso bill.
PBGEN ADEN T LAGRADANTE, DD, EPD praised the Station Drug Enforcement Unit for their successful operation and encourage them to continue their efforts in combating illegal drug activities and promoting public safety. He emphasized, “The fight against illegal drugs goes beyond law enforcement—it’s about saving lives and securing our future. Let us therefore continue to intensify our comprehensive role in dismantling drug networks that cause widespread harm.”
“The existence of illegal drugs do not only ruin lives but also fuel the rise in drug-related crimes. As we lead this fight, I call on the community we serve to join forces with us in creating a safer environment for living, working, and conducting business,” PBGEN LAGRADANTE added.
The arrested suspect was brought to Marikina City Police Station for investigation and documentation and subsequently to Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center for medical examination.