BUTUAN CITY — A woman identified by police as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by authorities on Tuesday, March 10, in Barangay J.P. Rizal, this city, resulting in the seizure of suspected shabu valued at more than ₱1.2 million.
Operatives of the Butuan City Police Station 1–Station Drug Enforcement Unit (BCPS1-SDEU) carried out the anti-drug operation that led to the arrest of the suspect identified only by the alias “AJ,” a 39-year-old woman and a resident of Barangay Ong Yiu, Butuan City.
According to the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), the operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 180 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱1,224,000.
Authorities said the suspect was immediately taken into custody following the operation. The confiscated illegal drugs and other pieces of evidence were also secured and are now under the custody of BCPS1 for proper documentation and preparation for the filing of appropriate charges in court.
Police are expected to file charges against the suspect for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a statement, PCOL Restituto P. Lacano Jr., Acting City Director of the Butuan City Police Office, reaffirmed the local police force’s commitment to intensifying operations against illegal drugs.
“The Butuan City Police Office will continue strengthening our operations against individuals involved in the illegal drug trade. Your police remain committed to protecting and serving to ensure that our city remains safe and peaceful for all residents,” Lacano said.
The arrest forms part of the continuing anti-drug campaign of the Philippine National Police aimed at dismantling local drug networks and apprehending high-value targets believed to be involved in the distribution of illegal substances in the region.
Authorities urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities related to illegal drugs in their communities.