CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities successfully intercepted what is believed to be the largest drug haul in Northern Mindanao after operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 10, in coordination with the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), confiscated approximately 17 kilos of suspected shabu valued at more than ₱115.6 million during a major buy-bust operation in NHA Phase 1, Barangay Kauswagan, on November 4, 2025.
At around 10:35 a.m., operatives from PDEA Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental Provincial Offices, together with the City Intelligence Unit, Police Station 4 (Carmen) of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 10 (RPDEU 10), carried out the operation that led to the arrest of two suspects identified as alias “RL,” 19, of Barangay Kauswagan, and alias “JM,” 36, of Barangay Tablon, both residents of Cagayan de Oro City.
Seized during the operation were one cling-wrapped transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱1.3 million (used as buy-bust money) and six large heat-sealed black bags containing approximately 17 kilograms of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price of ₱115.6 million.
Authorities also recovered two ₱1,000 bills, boodle money, a brown duffle bag, and two touchscreen cellphones believed to have been used in the illegal drug trade.
According to PDEA Region 10, the operation was the result of close intelligence coordination between units in Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Cagayan de Oro City, marking what is believed to be the biggest anti-drug operation ever conducted in Region 10.
PDEA further disclosed that in Cagayan de Oro City, the drug price per gram of shabu is pegged at ₱6,800, making the recovered 17 kilos worth over ₱115 million in total.
The suspects are now facing charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale) and 11 (Possession) under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA Regional Director Alex Tablate emphasized that the success of the operation underscores the agency’s relentless campaign against illegal drugs and its firm commitment to protect communities in Northern Mindanao.
Meanwhile, PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Acting Regional Director of PRO10, lauded the strong collaboration between the PDEA and police units that made the operation possible.
“I extend my highest commendation to the PDEA R10 and PRO10 personnel for their successful joint anti-drug operation. Through our collective effort, we have once again disrupted a significant drug distribution network and prevented the further spread of illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao. Keep up the good work!” Abrahano said.
Authorities received commendation for their swift and coordinated action, successfully preventing the massive quantity of illegal drugs from reaching the streets — a major victory in the ongoing war against illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao.