GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – February 12, 2025 – In a significant breakthrough against illegal drugs in SOCCSKSARGEN, law enforcement authorities apprehended four high-value individuals (HVIs) and seized illegal drugs worth Php 207,400.00 during an operation in Purok 11, Barangay Tinagacan, General Santos City.
Under the directive of PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), a joint anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation was executed by personnel from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 12, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 12, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) 12, and Police Station 8 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO). The successful operation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as:
- Alias “Anna,” 32, single, jobless, resident of Sitio Toning, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City
- Alias “Ricky,” 32, mechanic, resident of Purok 1, Lanton, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City
- Alias “Mario,” 42, jobless, resident of Purok 6, Lanton, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City
- Alias “Christ,” 42, married, carpenter, resident of Purok 5, Lanton, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City
During the operation, authorities confiscated eight plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 30 grams and a one-thousand-peso bill used as buy-bust money. The inventory and marking of the seized illegal drugs were conducted on-site in the presence of the arrested suspects and witnessed by a barangay official.
The suspects were taken to Police Station 8, GSCPO for proper disposition and documentation, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 12 for further examination.
“This isn’t just a win for PRO 12—it’s a win for the people of SOCCSKSARGEN who deserve safer, drug-free communities where they can thrive. Let this accomplishment remind us all of the impact we can make when we come together in the fight against illegal drugs, for the sake of our families and our future,” PBGEN Ardiente stated.
Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region, reinforcing efforts to ensure a safer environment for all residents.
