Illegal drugs worth over ₱585,000 seized in separate operations
Butuan City — Five suspected drug personalities, including two considered High-Value Individuals (HVIs), were arrested by the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) in separate anti-drug operations across the Caraga region on Friday, May 23. The operations yielded an estimated ₱585,156 worth of illegal drugs.
PRO-13 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano confirmed the arrest of alias “Kin,” 31, a regional priority target, in Barangay Maygatasan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. Authorities recovered 40 grams of suspected shabu and two grams of marijuana from the suspect, with a combined street value of ₱272,356.
In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, an armed encounter resulted in the arrest of alias “Ente,” 46. The suspect was allegedly found in possession of 20 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱136,000, and an STI International caliber .45 pistol with live ammunition. Prior to his arrest, “Ente” reportedly fired three shots at police officers responding to a harassment complaint involving a foreign national.
Police said “Ente” is facing multiple charges, including illegal discharge of a firearm, grave threats, two counts of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms under the Omnibus Election Code (B.P. 881), and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (R.A. 9165).
Another suspect, alias “Kurat,” 35, a provincial-level HVI, was caught in Tago, Surigao del Sur, in possession of 20 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱136,000.
Meanwhile, in Butuan City, street-level target alias “Ed,” 37, and his alleged cohort alias “Tonyo,” 45, were apprehended with six grams of suspected shabu worth ₱40,800.
“We will relentlessly pursue all drug personalities, whether big or small, with the full force of the law,” RD Abrahano said. “There is no safe haven for those who sell or use dangerous drugs in our communities.”
The arrested suspects are currently under police custody and will face appropriate charges.