Eight police officers assigned to the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Lucena City Police Station have been temporarily relieved from their posts over alleged irregularities in a buy-bust operation conducted on October 30.
According to the report of RH Eric Dastas, Provincial Director PCOL Romulo Albacea ordered the temporary relief of the eight personnel following questions surrounding the operation in Purok Buklod Pagkakaisa, Barangay Cotta, Lucena City.
During the operation, authorities arrested a 50-year-old woman and reportedly seized more than five grams of suspected shabu worth approximately P100,000.
However, the complainant reportedly disputed the police account, claiming that no legitimate buy-bust operation took place and that authorities instead confiscated other personal belongings from the suspect.
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is now conducting an investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The eight officers will remain relieved from their assignments pending the outcome of the investigation.
