MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – A 19-year-old man believed to be engaged in illegal drug distribution was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by authorities in Barangay Managok on the morning of March 24, 2026.
Operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Malaybalay City Police Station carried out the operation at around 10:30 a.m. in Purok 2, leading to the apprehension of the suspect identified only by his alias “Dagol.”
Police identified the suspect as a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Sto. Rosario in the municipality of Kitaotao, Bukidnon. Authorities said the suspect had reportedly traveled to Malaybalay City with the intent to sell illegal drugs but was intercepted before he could expand his activities in the area.
According to the police report, an undercover operative was able to purchase one sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect for ₱1,000, which led to his immediate arrest.
A subsequent body search yielded more illegal substances. Recovered from the suspect’s possession was an empty cigarette pack containing six additional sachets of suspected shabu, with an estimated total weight of 25 grams and a street value pegged at approximately ₱170,000.
Authorities also confiscated the marked buy-bust money used in the operation, as well as a motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspect in his drug activities.
The suspect is currently detained at the Malaybalay City Police Station and is set to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to intensify anti-drug operations across Bukidnon, emphasizing that individuals attempting to traffic illegal substances into the city will be dealt with accordingly.
“This successful operation sends a strong message that illegal drug activities will not be tolerated in Malaybalay City,” a police official said, adding that continued community cooperation remains vital in sustaining the campaign against illegal drugs.