DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Authorities arrested a high-value drug suspect and confiscated hundreds of thousands of pesos worth of illegal drugs in a late-afternoon anti-narcotics operation on March 28, 2026, intensifying the government’s campaign against illicit drug activities in Mindanao.
Operatives of the Special Operations Unit 11 of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), acting under the directive of Police Brigadier General Elmer E. Ragay, carried out a buy-bust operation at around 3:54 p.m. in Purok 6, Block 35, Barangay 22-C, Davao City.
The operation, conducted in coordination with Police Station 1 (Sta. Ana Police Station) of the Davao City Police Office, led to the arrest of a 46-year-old male suspect known by the alias “Maranao.” Authorities identified the individual as a High-Value Individual (HVI), a classification used for suspects with significant involvement in illegal drug operations.
Seized during the operation were approximately 55 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of P374,000, along with several non-drug items believed to be linked to the suspect’s illegal activities.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect was immediately taken into custody and brought to the Sta. Ana Police Station for proper documentation and legal processing. Meanwhile, the confiscated substances were turned over to the City Forensic Unit of the Davao City Police Office for laboratory examination to confirm their composition.
Police Brig. Gen. Ragay lauded the coordinated efforts of law enforcement units and the support of the local community, emphasizing the importance of sustained vigilance in curbing the drug trade.
“Our gratitude also goes to the community and partner agencies whose continued vigilance strengthens our collective efforts in the fight against illegal drugs,” Ragay said.
The arrest underscores ongoing intensified anti-drug operations in Davao City and across Mindanao, where authorities continue to target high-value individuals and dismantle drug networks despite persistent challenges.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspect’s connections and whether the operation could lead to the identification of a broader drug distribution network operating in the region.