GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Authorities scored a significant breakthrough in the government’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign after arresting two high-value individuals (HVIs) and a newly identified drug personality in a buy-bust operation that yielded over ₱690,000 worth of suspected shabu on April 12, 2026.
Operatives from the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), through a coordinated effort led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 12 under PLTCOL Dave B. Abarra, conducted the high-impact operation in Barangay Tambler. The operation was carried out in close coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 12, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 12, Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) SOU 12, Police Station 5 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12.
Arrested were suspects identified only by their aliases: “Albert,” 38, a resident of Barangay Fatima; “Joshua,” 24, of Barangay Dadiangas West; both tagged as high-value individuals; and “Martha,” 35, a resident of Barangay Fatima, who was newly identified in the illegal drug trade.
According to the official police report, the operation initially targeted “Joshua” following intelligence reports of his involvement in the sale of illegal drugs. An undercover operative successfully purchased a small sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect, prompting immediate intervention by backup operatives who swiftly effected the arrest.
Subsequent search operations led to the recovery of substantial quantities of illegal drugs. Authorities seized one large sachet containing approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu from “Albert” and another 50 grams from “Joshua.” Meanwhile, two smaller sachets weighing 0.5 grams each were confiscated from “Martha.”
The buy-bust money amounting to ₱1,000 was also recovered from “Albert,” along with several non-drug items believed to be linked to their illegal activities. These included a black sling bag, gray belt bag, a lady’s shoulder bag, an Android mobile phone, two driver’s licenses, a pocket notebook, a disposable lighter, and ₱565 in cash.
In total, authorities confiscated 101 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated National Standard Drug Price (NSDP) value of ₱690,200.
All seized substances have been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) 12 for laboratory examination to confirm their composition.
The arrested individuals are currently detained at Police Station 5 and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The Regional Director of PRO 12 lauded the seamless coordination among the operating units, emphasizing that the operation reflects the continuing commitment of law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug networks and curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.
“This successful operation sends a strong message that law enforcement remains relentless in its pursuit of those who continue to threaten communities through illegal drug activities,” the official said.
Authorities reiterated their call for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities as part of a broader effort to sustain gains in the fight against illegal drugs.