Authorities arrested two alleged drug peddlers in a pre-dawn anti-drug operation in Midland Village, reinforcing intensified efforts to curb illegal drug activity in the city, police officials said Wednesday.
The operation was carried out by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) under the leadership of Acting City Director PCOL Mannan C. Muarip, who commended the dedication and resolve of the operating units involved in the successful mission.
According to DCPO, personnel from the City Drug Enforcement Unit/Special Operations Group (CDEU/SOG-DCPO), led by PLTCOL Randy P. Sambalod, spearheaded the buy-bust operation conducted at around 1:48 a.m. on February 25, 2026, in Purok 42, Midland Village, in Davao City.
Police reported that the operation resulted in the arrest of two suspected drug dealers and the seizure of illegal drugs believed to be shabu with an estimated street value of ₱68,000. Authorities also recovered a .45 caliber firearm during the arrest, further raising concerns over the possible link between illegal drugs and armed criminal activity in the area.
The anti-drug operation was conducted through close coordination among multiple law enforcement units, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU XI), the 1st City Mobile Force Company, the 2nd City Mobile Force Company, and the Ma-a Police Station. The operation was also undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region XI (PDEA XI), underscoring a strengthened inter-agency effort to dismantle drug networks operating within the city.
Police officials emphasized that the success of the operation reflects the growing synergy among law enforcement agencies working together to combat illegal drugs, which continue to pose serious threats to public safety, community stability, and the well-being of residents.
DCPO leadership highlighted the risks and sacrifices faced by police operatives who carry out high-risk anti-drug operations, particularly during late-night enforcement activities that require precision, intelligence coordination, and swift execution.
Authorities also stressed that the operation serves as a clear demonstration that persistent law enforcement efforts are producing concrete results in the fight against illegal drugs. Police noted that continued vigilance from communities plays a crucial role in identifying and disrupting drug-related activities.
With the latest arrests and confiscation of illegal drugs and firearms, DCPO reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against individuals and groups involved in the drug trade, assuring residents that authorities will remain proactive and relentless in safeguarding lives, maintaining peace and order, and upholding the rule of law across Davao City.