Panabo City, Davao del Norte – In a major anti-drug operation conducted on the night of September 16, 2024, authorities seized over ₱1.5 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu,” and arrested a high-value drug personality in Purok Caimito, Barangay Sto. Niño, Panabo City.
The joint operation was carried out by the Davao del Norte Provincial Office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XI, along with the Davao Norte Police Provincial Office and Panabo City Police Station. The target of the buy-bust operation was identified as Jhunrie Dio Cagape, also known as “Junjun,” a 22-year-old resident of Purok Andohao, Barangay San Pedro, Panabo City.
Cagape was apprehended by a PDEA agent who acted as a poseur buyer. During the operation, Cagape sold one medium-sized heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately 10 grams and valued at ₱100,000.
Further search and investigation led to the discovery of five additional heat-sealed sachets of shabu, weighing a total of 215 grams with an estimated street value of ₱1,462,000. Drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money were also confiscated from the suspect.
Cagape is now facing multiple charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These include Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia).
The successful operation highlights the continued efforts of local authorities in their fight against illegal drugs in the region.
