KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – February 13, 2025 – A high-value target in the illegal drug trade was apprehended in a successful buy-bust operation conducted by law enforcement units early this morning in Kidapawan City, SOCCSKSARGEN.
At approximately 2:40 AM, the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU12), under the leadership of PMAJ Dave B. Abarra, Acting Chief of RPDEU, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested a suspect identified by the alias “Sunday.” The 24-year-old male, a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Lanao, Kidapawan City, was apprehended in Purok 5A, Barangay Balindog during the joint operation involving RPDEU12, RIU 12, PDEG12, RID12, PIU CPPO, and the Kidapawan City Police Station.
During the operation, authorities confiscated multiple items, including one small rectangular heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing 0.1 gram, two large rectangular heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 55 grams, a PHP 500 bill used as buy-bust money, and a blue Honda RS 125cc motorcycle. The total weight of the seized illegal drugs amounted to 55.1 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 374,680.00.
The confiscated evidence was documented and marked on-site in the presence of a media representative, a barangay official, and the arrested suspect. The recovered illegal substances will be subjected to forensic examination at the North Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit.
The suspect, identified as unemployed and classified as a high-value individual in the illegal drug trade, is currently under the temporary custody of the Kidapawan City Police Station. Authorities are in the process of filing charges against him for violations of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, commended the operating teams for their dedication and vigilance. “This successful operation highlights our firm stance against illegal drugs. Let this be a warning to those engaged in such illicit activities – we will not rest until our streets are safe and drug-free,” PBGEN Ardiente emphasized.
Authorities continue to intensify efforts in combating illegal drugs in SOCCSKSARGEN, reaffirming their commitment to a safer and drug-free community.