Two suspects were arrested in a drug bust operation in Oriental Mindoro province, authorities said.

The joint operation, conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), took place in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Cantil, Roxas municipality on January 16.

The suspects, identified only by their aliases “Aping” and “Jobert,” were found in possession of 5.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, locally known as “shabu,” with an estimated street value of P39,440 pesos, according to PDEA officials.

Drug paraphernalia was also seized during the operation, which involved personnel from the Philippine National Police’s Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and the 203rd Infantry Battalion.

The evidence was documented at the scene in the presence of local officials and media representatives before being transferred to the PDEA laboratory for analysis.

The suspects face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries heavy penalties for drug trafficking offenses.