TANDAG CITY – A suspected high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Surigao del Sur Police Drug Enforcement Unit (SDS PDEU) and Tandag City Police Station (Tandag CCPS) on March 7, 2025.
According to Police Colonel Harry B. Domingo, Provincial Director, the suspect, identified as alias “Kim/Joy,” a 38-year-old jobless female from Purok Golden Duranta, Barangay Gamot, Tago, was apprehended at around 4:45 PM in Purok Pag-asa 1, Barangay Rosario, Tandag City.
The operation, coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), resulted in the confiscation of 38 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The illegal drugs had an estimated weight of 18 grams and a street value of PHP 122,400.00. Authorities also recovered one PHP 1,000 bill with serial number HMO66376, used as buy-bust money, along with other drug paraphernalia.
Police conducted a body search, inventory, and marking of the confiscated evidence in the presence of witnesses, including a media representative, a Barangay Kagawad from Barangay Rosario, and a representative from the Department of Justice.
The suspect was informed of her constitutional rights under the Miranda Warning and the Anti-Torture Act and is now under the custody of the Tandag City Police Station for proper disposition of the case.
“The SDSPPO remains steadfast in the fight against illegal drugs. This successful anti-drug operation is a testament to our commitment to a safer, drug-free community,” said PCOL Domingo.
Authorities urge the public to continue supporting government efforts in combating all forms of criminality to ensure a secure and peaceful Surigao del Sur.
