Agusan del Norte, Philippines – May 2, 2025 — Three individuals, including two categorized as High-Value Individuals (HVI) and one newly identified Street-Level Individual (SLI), were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations across Agusan del Norte, leading to the seizure of suspected shabu.
In a report from the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO), the Carmen Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 13, apprehended a suspect identified as alias “Jomar,” 24 years old, married, and a resident of Barangay Sta. Ana, Nasipit. The operation took place on April 30, 2025, in District Cabatuan, Barangay Poblacion, Carmen. Authorities confiscated suspected illegal drugs during the buy-bust.
Meanwhile, on May 1, the Buenavista Municipal Police Station, also working with PDEA-ADN, arrested another HVI identified as alias “Ruel,” a 44-year-old driver from Purok 3, Barangay 7, Buenavista. The operation occurred at L & M Cottages in Purok 6, Sitio Domurog, Barangay Matabao, where more suspected shabu was seized.
On the same day, the Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) Municipal Police Station, in coordination with PDEA-ADN, apprehended alias “Longi,” a 49-year-old pedicab driver from Purok 6, Holy Redeemer, Butuan City. The suspect, categorized as a newly identified Street-Level Individual, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok 8B, Barangay Balangbalang, RTR.
All three suspects were read their rights in a language they understood and are now under police custody. They will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Representatives from the Department of Justice, local media, and barangay officials were present during the operations to serve as witnesses.
“With heightened enforcement, strategic intelligence efforts, and public support, AgNorte remains at the forefront of the fight against illegal drugs. These operations demonstrate our firm resolve to dismantle drug networks and bring perpetrators to justice,” said PCOL April Mark C. Young, ADNPPO Provincial Director.