SURIGAO CITY — Five individuals identified by authorities as priority drug personalities were arrested following a joint anti-illegal drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13, resulting in the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs valued at around ₱420,000 on Monday afternoon, March 2.
The buy-bust operation was carried out at approximately 4:05 p.m. in Purok 5, Barangay Poctoy in Surigao City. Operatives from the PDEA Regional Office 13 – Surigao del Norte Provincial Office spearheaded the operation, working closely with personnel from the Philippine National Police Surigao del Norte Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Surigao City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit, and the PDEA RO 13–Legal and Prosecution Unit.
Authorities said the entrapment operation was successfully executed, leading to the arrest of the five suspects who had reportedly been under monitoring due to their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in the area.
During the operation, law enforcement agents recovered suspected illegal drugs believed to be shabu with an estimated street value of ₱420,000. Also seized from the suspects were the marked buy-bust money used in the operation, several mobile phones believed to have been used in drug transactions, identification cards, and two motorcycles—one of which had a sidecar—suspected to have been used in their activities.
The arrested individuals are now in police custody and are set to face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These provisions penalize the sale, trading, administration, distribution, and possession of dangerous drugs.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensify anti-illegal drug operations across Surigao del Norte, emphasizing that coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies remain crucial in dismantling local drug networks.
Officials also called on the public to continue supporting government initiatives against illegal drugs by promptly reporting suspicious activities in their communities, noting that community cooperation plays a vital role in sustaining the campaign against narcotics.