Panabo City, Davao del Norte – A high-value drug suspect, listed as the Regional Priority Top 1, and his female companion were arrested in a joint drug buy-bust operation conducted by the police early morning on February 15, 2025. The operation, which took place at 6:30 AM, led to the seizure of 6.537 kilograms of suspected shabu worth PHP 44.4 million.
The suspects, a 44-year-old male and his 38-year-old female partner, were apprehended at their rented residence in Oakwood Residence, Barangay New Visayas, Panabo City. According to the investigation, the two had been residing in Panabo for about a month. Both suspects are residents of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Authorities confirmed that the male suspect ranks as the Top 1 priority drug personality in the region, while his female accomplice is listed as the Top 3.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel from multiple law enforcement units, including the Panabo City Police Station, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU-11), Regional Intelligence Division 11 (RID-11), City Special Operations Group (CSOG), City Drug Enforcement Unit of Davao City Police Office (CDEU-DCPO), 2nd Davao Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd DNPMFC), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU-Norte), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Police Regional Office XI (PRO-XI) Director PBGen Leon Victor Rosete reaffirmed the commitment of law enforcement to combat illegal drugs in the region. “We will not waver in our fight against illegal drugs. We will be relentless in our pursuit of those who threaten the safety and the future of the people in the community, especially in the Davao Region,” he stated.
Rosete also commended the operatives for the successful and coordinated effort, emphasizing that the police will continue their anti-illegal drug operations while ensuring that no lives are lost in the process.
The arrested individuals will face charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.