BACOLOD, Philippines — Government anti-drug authorities arrested former professional basketball player Manuel "Maui" Huelar Jr. and another man in a buy-bust operation inside an inn at Barangay Singcang—Airport, Bacolod City on Monday.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency—Negros Island Region said P1,500 worth of what it suspected to be shabu was recovered from Huelar.

Julius Navales, regional director of PDEA-NIR said Huelar, village captain of Barangay 35, was considered a high-value target.

Huelar, who played in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball League, denied the allegations.

Aside from Huelar, PDEA also arrested Christian Joseph Mijares and Joshua Arroyo, who was occupying the room beside Huelar's when the arrests were made.

A sachet containing what is believed to be shabu and some drug paraphernalia were recovered from Mijares, while two sachets of the same contents were recovered from Arroyo.

Navales said that a PDEA agent accidentally shot and injured Arroyo as Arroyo tried to stop the agent from entering the door.

Arroyo sustained a minor injury and was brought to hospital.

The suspects will face separate charges in violation of of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.