Butuan City — In a significant blow against illegal drug activities, authorities dismantled a suspected drug den during an operation conducted on the evening of December 4, 2024, in Purok 7, Barangay Limaha.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XIII (PDEA RO XIII), through its Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, led the operation with the support of the PNP Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 13 (RDEU 13) and Butuan City Police Station 2 (BCPS-2). Acting on Search Warrant No. 2024-11-29-02, the joint team successfully arrested eight individuals, including the alleged drug den maintainer.
Seized during the operation were approximately 28 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with an estimated street value of Php 190,400. Authorities also recovered various items containing traces of suspected shabu, improvised drug paraphernalia, aluminum foils, opened sachets, and non-drug evidence such as cash, a mobile phone, cigarette packs, and lighters.
The suspects will face multiple charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165), including violations of:
- Section 6: Maintenance of a Drug Den
- Section 7: Employees and Visitors of a Drug Den
- Section 11: Possession of Dangerous Drugs
- Section 12: Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
The operation reflects the strengthened collaboration between law enforcement agencies in the region and their determination to eliminate drug dens and trafficking activities in Butuan City and beyond.