General Santos City – Three individuals, including a student and a widow, were arrested in a joint anti-drug operation conducted by law enforcement authorities on Friday, July 19, 2025, in Barangay Apopong.
The successful buy-bust was carried out at around 11:52 AM by operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 12 led by PMAJ Dave B. Abarra, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 12, and Police Station 2 of the General Santos City Police Office, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12.
Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases: “Tata,” a 54-year-old widow and self-employed individual; “Ron,” a 29-year-old tricycle driver; and “Ash,” a 19-year-old Grade 11 student.
During the operation, six heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu were confiscated. The illegal drugs weighed approximately 115 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱782,000.00.
Also recovered at the scene were one genuine ₱1,000 bill used as marked money and seven counterfeit ₱1,000 bills as boodle money.
The suspects were brought to Police Station 2 for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Meanwhile, the seized drugs were submitted to the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Barangay Morales, Koronadal City, for laboratory examination.
Police Regional Office 12 reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against illegal drugs in the region, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in the fight against narcotics.