BUTUAN CITY — Authorities scored another significant victory in the government’s intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign after a high-value individual (HVI) was arrested and more than ₱1.4 million worth of suspected shabu was seized during a buy-bust operation on April 20.
Operatives from the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Butuan City Police Office, in coordination with the Butuan City Mobile Force Company (BCMFC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13, carried out the operation that led to the arrest of the suspect identified only as alias “Angkol,” 63, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Maon.
Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, Regional Director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13, commended the operating units for the successful operation, emphasizing the continued momentum of law enforcement efforts in curbing illegal drug activities in the region.
Confiscated from the suspect were approximately 210 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱1,428,000. Authorities also recovered ₱10,000 in marked money used in the operation, along with a cellular phone, sling bag, coin purse, and an identification card belonging to the suspect.
The arrested individual, along with the seized evidence, is currently under the custody of the CDEU for proper documentation and legal processing.
Authorities confirmed that charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against the suspect.
PBGen Magistrado reiterated the Philippine National Police’s unwavering commitment in the Caraga region to dismantle drug networks and sustain gains in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
“We will continue to intensify our operations to ensure that communities remain safe and free from the influence of illegal drugs,” he said.
The latest operation underscores the continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies in addressing the illegal drug trade, which remains one of the government’s top security priorities.