BUTUAN CITY – Four individuals, including a police-tagged high-value target, were arrested in a buy-bust operation that led to the seizure of over ₱238,000 worth of suspected shabu on Wednesday, April 24, in Barangay Bonbon.
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, confirmed the successful operation conducted jointly by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 13, and Butuan City Police Station 3.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases: “Gel,” 38, classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI); “Ika,” 19; “Mer,” 42; and “Juan,” 23. Authorities recovered approximately 35 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, along with various drug paraphernalia.
The four are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This operation is a testament to our commitment to stamping out illegal drugs in our communities. I commend our operatives for their swift and decisive action,” said PBGen Abrahano. “We remain relentless in our intelligence-driven efforts to identify and arrest individuals involved in the drug trade.”
Authorities said surveillance and coordination played a key role in ensuring the operation’s success, as part of the regional police’s intensified anti-drug campaign.