Davao Region, Philippines – November 7, 2024
Two successful anti-drug operations led by the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) have resulted in the arrest of high-value individuals and the seizure of illegal substances valued at over PHP 616,000. These efforts underscore the commitment of law enforcement in the region to combat the drug menace and safeguard local communities.
In a buy-bust operation conducted on November 6, 2024, in Garinan Prk 25, Barangay Madaum, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, authorities apprehended a newly identified high-value individual, known only as “Darwin,” along with an alleged street-level accomplice. Confiscated items included several sachets containing a crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with a total estimated street value of PHP 346,800. Law enforcement officers also seized one genuine PHP 1,000 bill alongside 24 counterfeit copies, a checkered wallet, an empty cigarette pack, and a black Flex 125i motorcycle bearing the plate number L-490JM.
In a separate operation on November 5, 2024, in Purok Doña Rosa 1A, Barangay Central, Mati City, Davao Oriental, police arrested two suspects, including the region’s fourth-ranked high-value individual, “Tonton,” and his cohort, “Choy-choy.” Seized items included sachets of suspected shabu valued at PHP 270,000, an improvised glass tooter, one PHP 1,000 bill, three PHP 50 bills, two coin purses, and a black and red SYM motorcycle with plate number 254LDR.
Acting Regional Director PBGen. Leon Victor Z. Rosete praised the coordinated efforts of various police units, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit XI, the Tagum City Police Station, the 1102nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion, the Provincial Special Operations Group of Davao del Norte, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) XI. Similarly, Rosete commended the Mati City Police Station, Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, and the provincial drug enforcement and intelligence teams for their dedication to the region’s anti-drug initiatives.
The suspects are now in police custody, awaiting the filing of appropriate charges. PRO 11 reiterated its commitment to the Philippine National Police’s recalibrated strategy to dismantle drug networks and foster a drug-free Davao Region.
