Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – In a major operation aimed at disrupting the supply chain of illegal drugs in the province, law enforcement authorities successfully apprehended two high-value drug suspects in a buy-bust operation on March 10. The operation was conducted by the Surigao City Police Station’s drug enforcement operatives, with support from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Provincial Director Police Colonel Warren E. Dablo identified the suspects as alias “Fuji,” a 37-year-old unemployed male, and a 34-year-old male broker, both residents of Barangay Washington, Surigao City. The arrest took place at Purok-4, Barangay Lipata, Surigao City, around 5:45 PM.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects were previously arrested for similar violations. Alias “Fuji” was arrested by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) in June 2024 and released from Surigao City Jail in October 2024 through a plea bargaining agreement. The second suspect, a broker, was apprehended by PDEA personnel in 2016 and was released from jail in May 2024 after also availing of a plea bargaining deal.
During the operation, authorities confiscated eighteen plastic sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 100 grams and valued at an estimated Php680,000. Also recovered were three pieces of Php1,000 marked bills, two Android smartphones, a brown pouch, a black belt bag, a black clutch bag, and an electronic weighing scale.
“Those who continue to sell or use illegal drugs will face the full force of the law, without exception. This major seizure by the SDN police strikes a decisive blow against the criminal networks seeking to flood our communities with these dangerous substances. But our fight does not end here. We stand unwavering in our commitment to making Surigao del Norte a relentless battleground against illegal drug activity, where criminals will find no refuge and no escape from justice,” PD Dablo emphasized.
The suspects are currently detained at the Surigao City Police Station for proper documentation and legal proceedings. The buy-bust operation was conducted in an orderly manner, duly witnessed by a Barangay Kagawad from San Juan, a Department of Justice (DOJ)/National Prosecution Service (NPS) representative, and a media representative.
Authorities reaffirm their dedication to combating illegal drug activities in Surigao del Norte, ensuring that those involved in the trade face the consequences of their actions under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
