GENERAL SANTOS CITY / KORONADAL CITY — Law enforcement authorities under Police Regional Office 12 have seized a combined ₱145,452 worth of suspected shabu and arrested three drug suspects in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted on February 13, 2026, in General Santos City and Koronadal City.
The first operation was carried out at around 11:22 p.m. in Zone 2A, Saway, Barangay Labangal, General Santos City, following the implementation of a search warrant by the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 12.
Authorities arrested a suspect identified only by the alias “RJ,” 36, married, and a resident of the area. Recovered from his possession were seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, weighing approximately 11.36 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱77,248.
The second operation was conducted earlier that evening at about 7:44 p.m. in Barangay General Paulino Santos, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, through a buy-bust operation led by personnel of the Koronadal City Police Station under the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, also in coordination with PDEA Region 12.
Two suspects, identified by their aliases “Nano,” 40, a farmer, and “Lovely,” 29, a housewife, both residents of Barangay Tinago, Norala, were arrested during the operation. Seized from them were three heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 10.03 grams, with an estimated value of ₱68,204.
All arrested suspects were brought to their respective police stations for proper disposition. The confiscated evidence from both operations was turned over to the South Cotabato Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and documentation.
Authorities are preparing criminal charges against the suspects for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a statement, Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, emphasized the importance of sustained and coordinated anti-drug efforts.
“We will continue to intensify our intelligence-driven and legally grounded operations against individuals involved in illegal drug activities. These successful operations reflect our firm commitment to protect our communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” Ardiente said.
He also commended the operating units for their effective coordination and assured the public that PRO-12 will remain relentless in pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
Police authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspected drug-related activities in their communities.