No license na nga, may Shabu pa: 19-year-old rider nabbed at Pinukpuk checkpoint

Pinukpuk, Kalinga – Driving without a license landed a 19-year-old man in police custody after suspected shabu accidentally fell from his coin purse during a routine checkpoint inspection in Junction, Pinukpuk, on the evening of Friday, July 10, 2026.

The suspect, whose identity was withheld, was arrested after personnel of the Pinukpuk Municipal Police Station conducted "Oplan Sita" and enforced Municipal Ordinance No. 2017-03, which prescribes traffic rules and regulations in the municipality.

Pinukpuk Municipal Police Station Officer-in-Charge PCapt. Tyrone John Balanay said the suspect, who was driving an "umbak" with four passengers on board, was flagged down by police during the operation.

Upon verification, police discovered that the driver did not possess a valid driver's license and was operating an unfranchised vehicle. Officers then instructed him to present the vehicle's Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR), and any valid identification card.

While searching for his identification card inside his coin purse, a medium-sized plastic sachet containing a substance suspected to be shabu accidentally slipped and fell to the ground. Upon inspection, police found five small heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu inside the plastic sachet with an estimated value of P10,880.

The suspect was immediately arrested. Police also confiscated several items believed to be drug paraphernalia, including an aluminum foil strip, used disposable lighters, and a small pair of scissors.

PCapt. Balanay said the 19-year-old has been charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He is currently detained at the Pinukpuk Municipal Police Station while awaiting the issuance of a commitment order for his transfer to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Following the incident, Balanay reminded motorists to always wear helmets for their safety, secure a valid driver's license before driving, and comply with traffic laws. He also warned the public to stay away from illegal drugs, stressing that the Pinukpuk police remain relentless in their anti-illegal drug campaign and that those who engage in illegal drug activities will eventually be caught and held accountable under the law.