BUTUAN CITY — A 22-year-old alleged drug personality tagged as a high-value individual (HVI) was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) on Thursday, March 12.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Jerome,” is single and a resident of Barangay Maon, Butuan City.
Authorities said the operation led to the confiscation of approximately 800 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱5,440,000, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the city.
Aside from the illegal drugs, police also recovered a caliber .45 pistol (M1911AI US Army), one magazine, and 10 live rounds of .45-caliber ammunition, along with various drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in the distribution and handling of illegal substances.
Police said the suspect was apprehended after selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative during the entrapment operation carried out by the BCPO-CDEU.
The seized drug evidence and firearm were immediately secured by authorities and will undergo proper documentation and laboratory examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
The arrested suspect is now under police custody and is expected to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as possible violations related to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Butuan City Police Office Acting Director Police Colonel Restituto P. Lacano Jr. said the successful operation demonstrates the police force’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.
“This successful operation serves as a clear warning to those who continue to engage in the sale and use of illegal drugs. The police remain serious in safeguarding our communities,” Lacano said.
He emphasized that authorities will continue to intensify anti-drug operations to dismantle networks involved in illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
“We will not stop arresting those involved in illegal drugs and other criminal activities. They must answer before the law,” Lacano added.
The BCPO reiterated its appeal to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their communities as part of the collective effort to curb the spread of illegal drugs in Butuan City.