MAINIT, Surigao del Norte — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested three alleged drug personalities, including a former barangay official and two local government job order workers, during a joint anti-illegal drug operation in Purok Lutos, Barangay Quezon, Mainit, Surigao del Norte on Monday afternoon, May 18.
The operation, spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 – Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, was conducted in coordination with the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit, Mainit Municipal Police Station, and the Surigao del Norte Seaport Interdiction Unit.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only through their aliases “David,” “Dennis,” and “Ronie.”
Investigators said alias “David,” a former barangay kagawad, was allegedly operating as the maintainer of the suspected drug den, while aliases “Dennis” and “Ronie,” both reportedly employed as job order workers under the local government unit, were allegedly caught inside the drug den as visitors during the operation.
Law enforcement operatives confiscated around seven grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php47,600.
Among the evidence recovered were one sachet of suspected shabu believed to be the subject of a buy-bust transaction, several sachets containing suspected illegal drugs for possession, and multiple opened transparent plastic sachets with traces of suspected shabu residue.
Authorities also seized buy-bust money, mobile phones, identification cards, used and rolled aluminum foils, lighters, and assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities inside the alleged drug den.
The suspects are now facing charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
Officials said the operation underscores the continuing crackdown against illegal drugs in the Caraga Region, particularly against individuals allegedly exploiting public positions and government connections while engaging in unlawful activities.
Laurefel Gabales, Regional Director of PDEA Regional Office 13, commended the operating teams for the successful anti-drug operation and stressed the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in intensifying the government’s anti-drug campaign.
“This successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of strong inter-agency collaboration in sustaining the government’s campaign against illegal drugs in the Caraga Region. The arrest of personalities with present and previous links to public service sends a strong message that accountability applies to everyone, regardless of position or influence,” Gabales said.
He further emphasized that public participation remains crucial in the campaign against illegal drugs, adding that continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies, local government units, and communities is essential in maintaining safer and drug-free communities across Caraga.
PDEA Regional Office 13 also renewed its appeal for heightened public vigilance, urging residents to immediately report suspected illegal drug activities in their communities as authorities continue to intensify operations against the proliferation of narcotics in the region.