Davao City, Philippines — February 26, 2026
In a carefully planned and resolutely executed anti-illegal drug operation, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized illegal narcotics valued at an estimated ₱408,000, police confirmed early Friday. The arrest was made during the lawful implementation of Search Warrant No. 2606 for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
At approximately 2:00 a.m. on February 26, 2026, law enforcement units serving the warrant entered a residence in Purok Uma, Minterbo, Barangay Ilang, Davao City, where intelligence indicated illegal drug activity. The operation was the result of rigorous planning, detailed intelligence validation, and coordinated efforts across multiple police units operating under the DCPO’s anti-narcotics framework.
The operation was led by the Bunawan Police Station, with officers under Police Captain Ramil Anthony D. Maxey and direct supervision by Police Major Janus Lumbaya B. Macli-Ing, the station commander. Officers arrested a 39-year-old male suspect known by the alias “Lab,” a married, unemployed resident of the area. During the search, police recovered several sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price (SDP) of ₱408,000, highlighting the scale of the threat removed from the city’s streets.
“Alias ‘Lab’ was apprehended after evidence of illegal narcotics possession was found at the scene,” police reported. The suspect now faces charges for possession of dangerous drugs under Section 11 of RA 9165, with authorities affirming that the arrest and confiscation followed lawful procedures to uphold due process.
Officials describe the operation as emblematic of the DCPO’s commitment to disciplined and accountable policing under its D.A.V.A.O. Framework — an internal strategy emphasizing Discipline, Action, Virtue, Accountability, and Order in law enforcement efforts. This framework guides officers in conducting operations that aim to dismantle drug networks, remove illegal substances and weapons from communities, and protect residents from the harms associated with illegal drugs.
In a statement, the DCPO reiterated its resolve to aggressively pursue individuals and syndicates involved in drug trafficking, while stressing the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law throughout all enforcement actions. The city police stressed that operations like this are conducted with respect for civil liberties and a strong partnership with community stakeholders.
“Our goal remains to ensure that Davao City remains safe, peaceful, and drug-free,” police said, underscoring ongoing collaboration with local communities and barangay officials in supporting public safety objectives.
The arrest and seizure come amid broader national efforts to crack down on illegal drugs, including high-profile actions elsewhere in the country such as the recent dismantling of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Metro Manila that yielded an estimated ₱6.6 billion in illegal drugs — underscoring the scale of the larger drug problem in the Philippines.
Authorities said further investigations are underway to identify potential associates of the suspect and related drug distribution networks operating in the region.