DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A 49-year-old man previously jailed for drug offenses was arrested anew in a police buy-bust operation on the afternoon of March 16, 2026, in what authorities described as a significant anti-drug operation targeting a high-value individual.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Itin,” married and a resident of Chapter 4, Barangay Aplaya, was apprehended at around 2:43 p.m. during an entrapment operation conducted by local police.
Seized from the suspect were approximately 46.36 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱315,248.00. Authorities also recovered a submachine gun (Uzi-type) along with 12 live rounds of ammunition, raising further alarm over the suspect’s activities.
According to investigators, alias Itin had been classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) due to his alleged large-scale involvement in the illegal drug trade. Police records revealed that he had previously been arrested for drug-related offenses in 2023 and was detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Digos City. He was later released but reportedly resumed his illegal operations.
Law enforcement authorities said the suspect was believed to be distributing up to 150 grams of shabu per week, indicating a sustained and organized level of drug trafficking in the area.
“This arrest highlights the persistence of some individuals in returning to the illegal drug trade despite prior incarceration,” a police official said, emphasizing the need for sustained enforcement and monitoring of repeat offenders.
The suspect is currently under temporary detention at the custodial facility of the Digos City Police Station. Authorities are preparing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police said the operation forms part of their continuing campaign to dismantle drug networks and curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in Davao del Sur.