VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — A late-morning anti-illegal drugs operation led to the arrest of two young men and the seizure of more than ₱241,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Purok 5A, Edlimar Subdivision, Barangay Lumbo, on Friday, January 3, 2026.
Arrested were two residents of Maramag town, identified by police as aliases “Dondon,” 21, unemployed, and “Jepjep,” 20, a laborer. The suspects were taken into custody at around 11:52 a.m. after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative.
The operation was spearheaded by the Bukidnon Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (BUK-PDEU) as the lead unit, in coordination with the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and the Valencia City Police Station (VCPS), with support from the City Anti-Drugs Special Unit Team (CADSUT) under the City Mayor’s Office.
Police said an initial transaction involved the sale of a sachet of suspected shabu weighing about 0.2 grams worth ₱1,000. A subsequent body search yielded a significant haul: three large packs of suspected shabu weighing an estimated 18 grams recovered from one suspect, and four sachets weighing about 17.3 grams from the other. Authorities also confiscated an improvised firearm with two rounds of ammunition, assorted drug paraphernalia, the buy-bust money, and a motorcycle allegedly used by the suspects.
In total, operatives seized approximately 35.5 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱241,400. The confiscated drugs were turned over to the Bukidnon Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and confirmation.
The suspects are currently detained at the Valencia City Police Station and are set to face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. One of the suspects will also face an additional charge under Republic Act 10591 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to intensify anti-drug operations across Bukidnon, warning drug traffickers that law enforcement agencies remain relentless in dismantling the illegal drug trade in the province.