General Santos City – In a major blow to the illegal drug trade in Region 12, authorities arrested five high-value individuals and seized over ₱2 million worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation on May 1, 2025, in Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
Operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12), led by Acting Chief PMAJ Dave B. Abarra, conducted the operation in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 12, Philippine Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit 12 (PDEG-SOU 12), Police Station 2 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12.
Arrested during the operation were five suspected drug personalities identified only by their aliases: “Istoy,” 56; “Andoy,” 27; “Joey,” 21; “Tayson,” 38; and “Sham,” 23 — all residents of General Santos City.
Authorities confiscated 13 sachets of suspected shabu with a total estimated weight of 310 grams, amounting to a standard drug price of ₱2,108,000. Also seized was a Toyota Hilux vehicle believed to have been used in illegal drug activities.
All recovered drug evidence has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 12 for further examination. The seized vehicle is currently under verification with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and will be used as evidence in court proceedings.
The suspects are presently held at Police Station 2 of GSCPO and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente praised the operation, stating, “The successful confiscation of ₱2.1 million worth of suspected shabu and the apprehension of five identified high-value individuals in General Santos City reflect the commitment of PRO 12 in the fight against illegal drugs. This accomplishment is a testament to our sustained and coordinated efforts to safeguard our communities and uphold the rule of law.”