Panabo City, Davao del Norte – A joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao del Norte Provincial Office, Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office, and Panabo City Police Station successfully dismantled a drug den and arrested four suspects during a buy-bust operation on September 27, 2024, around 10:30 PM in Purok 4, Barangay Consolacion, Panabo City.
The primary target of the operation was Romel Tocmo Tecson, a 26-year-old resident of the area, identified as the drug den maintainer. Tecson was arrested after selling one heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) weighing approximately one gram, valued at Php 9,000, to a PDEA agent who acted as a poseur buyer.
Three other individuals involved in the drug den’s operation were also apprehended during the raid. These include Rosie Tecson, identified as Tecson’s cohort in maintaining the den; Rollen Tecson, employed at the den; and John Cervantes, a visitor at the site.
Authorities seized a total of five heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing around nine grams, with an estimated street value of Php 61,200. Various drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money were also confiscated.
Charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) are being prepared against the suspects, who now face serious penalties for their involvement in illegal drug activities.
The successful operation underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies in Davao del Norte to crack down on drug dens and apprehend individuals involved in illegal drug trade, contributing to the overall safety and security of the community.
