SURIGAO CITY – Two alleged high-value drug suspects were arrested after authorities seized around ₱272,000 worth of suspected shabu during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Rizal, Surigao City, on Tuesday morning, October 8.
The operation, led by the Police Drug Enforcement Unit of the Surigao City Police Station, in coordination with the 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SDN PMFC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13–Surigao del Norte, took place at around 11:30 a.m. in Mana Pepang Village.
Provincial Police Director Col. Warren E. Dablo identified the suspects as “Nicko,” a 30-year-old event decorator, and “Doni,” a 40-year-old unemployed resident, both from Surigao City.
Police reports stated that the two were caught in the act of selling illegal drugs, in violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Confiscated from the suspects were 22 plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 40 grams, with a standard drug price of ₱272,000. Also seized were a ₱1,000 marked bill, two smartphones, an electronic weighing scale, a gray sling bag, a coin purse, assorted drug paraphernalia, and other items used in the illegal trade.
Col. Dablo said the operation is part of the ongoing intensified campaign against illegal drugs and other criminal activities in the province.
“We continue to combat all forms of criminality, particularly the illegal drug trade. Through this operation, we aim to disrupt and dismantle drug networks, reducing the supply of illegal drugs in the province,” he said. “The arrest of these suspects reflects the unwavering efforts of the Surigao del Norte Police to ensure that those involved in the drug trade have no place to hide and escape.”
The arrested suspects and seized evidence are now under the custody of the Surigao City Police Station for proper documentation and filing of charges.
Authorities said the operation was conducted in an orderly manner and was witnessed by a Barangay Rizal councilor and a media representative.