Mati City, Davao Oriental — A joint anti-drug operation before dawn on November 27 led to the confiscation of ₱3.4 million worth of shabu allegedly sourced from Marawi City, and the arrest of a high-value target believed to be a major distributor across the Davao Region.
Arrested was alias “Panda”, 58, a businessman from Tagum City who authorities classify as both a High-Value Target (HVT) and High-Impact Individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade. Investigators say he played a key role in transporting and redistributing shabu that reportedly traveled from Marawi to Tagum, before being pushed into various markets in the region.
The buy-bust operation unfolded at 5:05 AM in Purok Sampaguita 2, Barangay Central, after a PDEA poseur-buyer successfully purchased a sachet of shabu worth ₱1,000 from the suspect. Upon arrest, operatives recovered five knot-tied plastic bags containing around 500 grams of suspected shabu, valued at ₱3.4 million, along with the marked money.
The operation was conducted by PDEA RO-XI Davao Oriental, with support from the RPDEU Regional Special Operations Group, City of Mati Police Station, RIU XI Provincial Intelligence Team, 2nd DOPMFC, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Authorities emphasized that the successful sting aligns with the City Government’s resolute anti-drug campaign, anchored on the 10-Point Agenda of Mayor Joel Mayo Almario, which prioritizes peace, security, and public safety. Mayor Almario has consistently called for tighter coordination between local officials and law enforcement agencies to shield Matinians from drug-related threats.
The suspect is now detained and will face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165). Investigators say further operations are underway to trace the rest of the supply chain and identify other players linked to the Marawi-to-Tagum drug route.