Koronadal City — Police authorities in Region 12 scored another victory in their intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign with the arrest of two suspected drug personalities during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Concepcion, Koronadal City on April 17.
Joint operatives from the Koronadal City Police Station, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), and the Regional Intelligence Division 12, with support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12, conducted the operation at Purok Bonifacio, Brgy. Concepcion.
The operation led to the arrest of a 37-year-old high-value target identified by the alias “Sonny,” a resident of Purok Tagumpay, Barangay Poblacion, Tantangan, South Cotabato. Alongside him, authorities also apprehended a 19-year-old street-level target, alias “Langging,” a resident of Purok Pag-Asa, Barangay General Paulino Santos, Koronadal City.
However, another suspect identified as alias “Ruel” eluded arrest and is now the focus of a follow-up operation.
Seized during the buy-bust were eight sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 26 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱176,800 based on the National Standard Drug Price. Authorities also recovered a black pouch and the ₱500 bill used as marked money in the operation.
The suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the Koronadal City Police Station for proper documentation and further legal processing.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the success of the operation and reiterated the police force’s commitment to curbing the illegal drug trade in the region.
“Let this serve as a clear message to all involved in the illegal drug trade — we will not relent. Our communities deserve to be free from the dangers of illegal drugs, especially during these critical times of the election period,” Ardiente emphasized.
