Ex-soldier nabbed over drugs in Misamis Occidental

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday said its operatives arrested a former member of the Philippine Army during a buy-bust operation in Misamis Occidental.

PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. said Albert Ozaraga of Lower Lamac, Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental, was nabbed last May 30.

"The suspect is a watch-listed drug personality in the Province of Misamis Occidental. He was a Private First Class assigned at the 4th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army based in Claveria, Misamis Oriental and was dismissed from the service last 2010," he added.

Cacdac said Ozaraga, who was arrested by elements of PDEA Regional Office 10, yielded 11 plastic sachets of shabu, various drug paraphernalia and the buy-bust money used in the operation.

Cacdac said the suspect is now temporarily detained at regional PDEA detention cell in Oroquieta City.