A man sought on an arrest warrant for a drug-related offense was found by police repackaging what is believed to be illegal drugs in a hidden underground space in his home on Monday, September 22.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Northern Mindanao served the warrant for a violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165) on Monday afternoon at the suspect’s home in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

Authorities arrested Joseph Bagay, 48, a resident of Bontong, Sta. Ana Tagoloan. The warrant was issued by Branch 38 under Presiding Judge Emmanuel Pasal.

IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO. Barangay officials Gene Bagay and Irene Cabunoc, serving as witnesses, point toward suspect Joseph Bagay, inside an underground compartment where police found him allegedly repacking illegal drugs on Monday, September 22, in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-10) arrested Bagay while serving a warrant for a separate drug-related charge. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

“Amo ra unta syang dakpon kay naa man sya’y warrant, na shock man mi pag abot namo nag repack man sya aning gihimo nya nga underground,” an official with the CIDG-10 said.

The CIDG seized an estimated 20 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, with an estimated market value of P156,000, along with other drug paraphernalia.

The suspect declined to comment.