DAVAO CITY — A joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 11 and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Southeastern Mindanao has led to the successful dismantling of a suspected drug den and the arrest of seven individuals in Davao City on Thursday afternoon, February 13, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 4:25 p.m. in Barangay 37-D, Mabini Extension, following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Operatives from the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team launched a buy-bust operation targeting the alleged drug den maintainer, identified as alias “Kevin,” 32.
Authorities said the suspect sold one sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱7,000 to a PDEA poseur-buyer, prompting his immediate arrest. He was reportedly operating the illegal drug den and facilitating the distribution of prohibited substances in the area.
Also arrested during the operation was alias “Elthon,” believed to be a worker at the drug den, along with five alleged visitors identified only by their aliases: “Godard,” “Jacob,” “John Paul,” “John Warren,” and “Richard.”
During the search, operatives recovered six sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated combined weight of 14 grams and a total value of approximately ₱98,000. Authorities also seized assorted drug paraphernalia and marked buy-bust money used in the operation.
All seven suspects are currently in police custody and are set to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended. The seized illegal drugs have been submitted for laboratory examination, while inquest proceedings are being prepared.
In a statement, PDEA Regional Office 11 emphasized that the successful operation reflects the strong coordination between law enforcement agencies in the region.
“The dismantling of this drug den is a significant step in our continuing campaign against illegal drugs. We remain committed to intensifying our operations and strengthening partnerships with other agencies to ensure safer and drug-free communities,” the agency said.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected illegal drug activities in their communities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the government’s fight against narcotics.
The joint PDEA-NBI operation is part of the government’s broader efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and dismantle organized drug networks across Mindanao.