Mati City, Davao Oriental – A high-value drug personality was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by joint law enforcement agencies in the early hours of November 30, 2024. The operation took place at around 2:45 a.m. at Purok BGR, Casa Rosa Doña Rosa, Barangay Central, Mati City.
The suspect, identified as Arquie Samparang Suarez, also known as “Arki,” 49, married, and a resident of Barangay Central, was apprehended by an undercover operative who posed as a buyer. Suarez sold one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” worth Php 1,000.
Further search and seizure yielded twelve additional heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu of varying sizes. The confiscated illegal drugs weighed approximately 51 grams and had an estimated street value of Php 346,800. Authorities also recovered the buy-bust marked money and a .38 revolver with live ammunition during the operation.
The joint operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XI – Davao Oriental Provincial Office, Mati City Police Station, Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office 2nd Mobile Force Company, and RIU-PIT Davao Oriental Region.
Charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) are being prepared against Suarez.
This successful operation underscores the intensified efforts of law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal drug activities and ensuring public safety in Davao Oriental.
