BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) has reported significant gains in its anti-illegal drugs campaign with the arrest of 23 suspects and the seizure of more than P1.5 million worth of shabu during operations conducted from July 14 to 20, 2025, across the Caraga region.
According to PRO-13, the weeklong operations led to the confiscation of 226.931 grams of suspected shabu, with a total standard drug price of P1,543,130.80. The arrested individuals included three High-Value Individuals (HVIs) and 20 Street-Level Individuals (SLIs).
The biggest drug haul of the week took place on the evening of July 18 in Purok 2, Barangay Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, where four individuals, including a minor, were apprehended.
The suspects were identified as:
- Alias Sadam Ampaso Ompa, 45, businessman, newly identified pusher (SLI);
- Alias Jam, 31, businessman, watch-listed pusher (HVI);
- Alias Jala, 23, businessman, newly identified pusher (SLI); and
- A 15-year-old male minor, also classified as a newly identified pusher (SLI).
The anti-drug operation resulted in the confiscation of 189.41 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P1,287,988.00, along with various drug-related paraphernalia.
All suspects are residents of Barangay Poblacion and have been charged with violations of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The minor is now under the custody of social welfare authorities for proper intervention.
In a statement, PBGen Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of PRO-13, reiterated the police force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region.
“There is no slowing down in our campaign against illegal drugs. Rather, more aggressive operations will be launched in all corners of the Caraga region to arrest these drug peddlers and users,” he said.
Authorities said intensified intelligence gathering and community support remain key in their ongoing crackdown against the drug menace.