General Santos City, Philippines – A successful anti-drug operation on November 9, 2024, led by Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of approximately Php3.5 million worth of illegal drugs. The joint operation was carried out by personnel from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12, Philippine Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit 12, Regional Special Operations Group 12, Regional Intelligence Division 12, Police Station 1 of General Santos City Police Office, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The suspects, identified only as Alias “Maximo,” a 46-year-old driver, and his 19-year-old live-in partner Alias “Calla,” a manicurist, were apprehended during a buy-bust operation in Purok Fatima, Barangay Dadiangas West. Both are residents of the area.
Police recovered a significant amount of suspected shabu from the suspects, including a small heat-sealed sachet, two medium-sized sachets, and five large cellophane bags containing a total of 516 grams. The drugs were valued at an estimated Php3,508,800, and law enforcement also seized a one-thousand-peso bill used as buy-bust money. Proper marking and inventory of the confiscated items were conducted at the scene, following legal requirements and in the presence of witnesses and the suspects.
The seized evidence is set for laboratory analysis at the Regional Forensic Unit 12. Meanwhile, the suspects are being held at Police Station 1, General Santos City Police Office, pending further investigation and documentation.
PBGEN James E. Gulmatico, Officer-in-Charge of PRO 12, praised the collaborative efforts of all units involved in the operation. He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance against illegal drug activities. “This operation exemplifies our commitment to dismantling drug networks and reducing drug-related harm in our communities. We will continue to intensify our operations and engage the public to create a secure and drug-free environment,” PBGEN Gulmatico stated.
The operation highlights the ongoing dedication of PRO 12 to maintaining safety and addressing the illegal drug problem in the region.
