Loon, Bohol – A joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bohol (PDEABOHOL) and the Loon Police Station resulted in the arrest of a high-value drug target in the town of Loon on July 17, 2023.

The suspect, identified as Joe Vincent Barnayja, 32, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion. Authorities confiscated from him 105 grams of suspected shabu, with a market value of Php714,000.

Barnayja is a known drug pusher in the area and has been under surveillance by authorities for some time. He is facing charges of violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The arrest of Barnayja is a major blow to the drug trade in Loon, Bohol. It is also a testament to the commitment of the PDEA Bohol and the Loon Police Station to rid the community of illegal drugs, authorities said.

PDEABOHOL Director Jovic Fabello commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the operation. “This is a major victory in our campaign against illegal drugs,” he said. “We will continue to work hard to bring drug traffickers to justice.”

The public is also urged to help the authorities in their fight against illegal drugs.

“If you have any information about drug activities in your community, please report it to the nearest police station,” PDEA Bohol said.