LAOAG CITY – A suspected big-time drug peddler operating in Ilocos Norte was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation at the Gabaldon Elementary School in Laoag City last Sunday, police said Monday.

Senior Inspector Christopher Danao, head of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office’s Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG), identified the suspect as Virgilio Ganitano, 62, of Barangay 53 Rioeng, here.

Danao said the anti-narcotics operatives seized 20 sachets of crystalline substance believed to be “shabu” from the suspect.

The seized suspected drugs were estimated to have a street value of P10,000.

Danao said Ganitano, who is in the PAIDSOTG watchlist, has a pending appeal on a drug case before the Court of Appeals.