Anti-drug agents arrested a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) employee during a joint buy-bust operation in Occidental Mindoro province on Friday, authorities said.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Mike,” 47, was a job order employee of the DPWH and a resident of Barangay Tayamaan in Mamburao, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The operation was conducted by PDEA RO MIMAROPA’s Regional Special Enforcement Team in coordination with the PDEA Occidental Mindoro Provincial Office and the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit of Mamburao Municipal Police Station in Barangay Payompon.

Authorities seized one gram of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” with an estimated street value of P6,800 pesos based on Dangerous Drugs Board valuations.

The suspect was included in the agency’s High-Value Target list, PDEA said in a statement.

The arrested individual faces charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment.