Authorities arrest a barangay chairman in Isabela City suspected of drug trafficking on Feb. 2. (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency)

Metro Manila, Philippines – A barangay chairman in Ilagan City, Isabela was arrested by authorities in a drug entrapment operation on Sunday, Feb. 2.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the Santa Isabel Sur barangay chairman, alias Junior, is a high-value target involved in drug trafficking.

The operation was conducted in Barangay Casilagan 14-16 around 10:20 a.m.This arrest sends a strong message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position in the community,” PDEA said.

Authorities seized a plastic sachet containing a gram of suspected crystal meth, locally known as shabu, with a street value of about P6,800. Other items confiscated were a firearm, buy-bust money, a vehicle, and two cell phones.