By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A 65-year-old man allegedly affiliated with the “Sigue Sigue Sputnik” group was arrested by Sta. Cruz police Wednesday night after he was caught with suspected shabu worth P34,000, authorities said.
The suspect, *Rodolfo Irlandez alias “Dodi,”* 65, was collared at about 7:30 p.m. on April 16, 2026, along Felix Huertas St. corner Old Antipolo St., Barangay 349, Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Police said the arrest stemmed from a call to the station from a concerned citizen reporting alleged drug activity in the area. Desk officers dispatched the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) to verify the information.
The operation was carried out by members of the Sta. Cruz Police Station SDEU. The arresting officers were identified as PMSg Manuel Asuncion, PSSg Rudolf Niño Fajardo, PSSg Rudvian Manlapas, PSSg Anthony Bernal, PMSg Ronald De Vera, PSSg Danver Cruz, and PSSg Ram Jay Belando.
Upon arrival, the team apprehended Irlandez and recovered the illegal drugs in his possession.
Seized from the suspect were two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The items were marked “MA” and “MA-1,” both dated 4/16/2026 with signature.
Police said the recovered drugs have an estimated total weight of 5 grams, including masking tape, with a Dangerous Drugs Board street value of Php 34,000.00.
Irlandez, an unemployed resident of No. 1778 Antipolo St., Brgy. 349, is listed as a Street Level Individual (SLI). He faces charges for violation of Section 11, Article II of R.A. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
He was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood but opted to remain silent.
Irlandez is currently detained at the Station Custodial Facility while charges are being prepared.
ia/xf
