Drug ring leader nabbed in Oriental Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected drug ring leader, whose group operates in Oriental Mindoro, was arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday.

PDEA Director-General Arturo Cacdar Jr. identified the suspect as Raul Barcelona, 48, a high-target drug personality, of Barangay Lumangbayan in Calapan City.

Operatives of PDEA Regional Office 4-B apprehended Barcelona after selling two plastic sachets of shabu to an undercover agent at Barangay Lumangbayan shortly after 10 a.m.

Cacdac said Barcelona is the leader of the drug ring in Oriental Mindoro.

Another suspected member of the group identified as Vincent Corrables, 27, was also arrested by the PDEA three weeks ago.

Barcelona will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

He is now detained at the PDEA's Regional Office 4-B jail facility.