GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A joint law enforcement operation led to the arrest of a suspected drug personality and the confiscation of illegal drugs and ammunition in Barangay Buayan, General Santos City, on Wednesday afternoon, April 17.
At around 12:35 PM, combined forces from Police Station 3, the City Mobile Force Company, and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the General Santos City Police Office, along with personnel from the 1201st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, Task Force Gensan under the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) served search warrants in Purok 2, Barangay Buayan.
The search, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in General Santos City, resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect known only by the alias “Jose,” a jobless resident of the area.
Authorities recovered four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php103,564, along with 13 live rounds of .45 caliber ammunition. The inventory and marking of the confiscated items were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspect’s sister and other mandatory witnesses to ensure transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
The suspect and the seized evidence were taken to Police Station 3 for proper documentation and further investigation.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director, PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, commended the operating teams for their coordinated effort and swift action.
“This operation reflects our relentless commitment to cleanse our communities of illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms. I commend our personnel for their swift and lawful execution of the operation. Let this be a clear message to those involved in illegal activities — PRO 12 remains vigilant and resolute in our duty to protect our people,” Ardiente said in a statement.
Authorities vowed to continue their intensified campaign against illegal drugs and unlicensed firearms in the region.