TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Authorities seized more than ₱4.2 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value drug personality during a pre-dawn anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Canocotan on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao del Norte, in coordination with the Tagum City Police Office, in Purok 6A, Barangay Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
PDEA Region XI identified the suspect as alias “Mata,” 34, who was tagged as a high-value target in the agency’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
Buy-Bust Operation
According to PDEA officials, the suspect was first caught selling 2.5 grams of suspected shabu worth approximately ₱17,500 to an undercover agent during a buy-bust operation. The successful transaction confirmed his alleged involvement in illegal drug trafficking and prompted his immediate arrest.
Following his apprehension, authorities conducted a search and recovered three additional sachets containing suspected shabu.
Large-Scale Drug Seizure
Laboratory estimates showed that the confiscated sachets weighed a total of about 612.5 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱4,287,500.
Combined with the drugs sold during the entrapment operation, the total value of the seized illegal substances reached more than ₱4.2 million, marking one of the significant drug hauls in Tagum City this year.
Legal Proceedings
The suspect is currently in PDEA custody and is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said that proper documentation, inventory, and coordination with barangay officials and representatives from the Department of Justice were observed to ensure the integrity of the seized evidence.
Strengthened Anti-Drug Campaign
PDEA and local police officials stressed that the operation reflects the government’s intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks in Northern Mindanao and protect communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.
“This successful operation sends a strong message that law enforcement will not relent in pursuing individuals involved in the illegal drug trade,” officials said in a statement.
They also called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that community participation remains vital in sustaining the fight against illegal drugs.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s possible links to larger drug syndicates operating in the region.