GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A suspected big-time drug supplier was arrested after authorities seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱3.4 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City, on Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026.
The operation, conducted at around 6:50 p.m. in Purok Maunlad Phase 2, was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 12 through the Sarangani-General Santos Provincial Office, in coordination with the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), General Santos City Police Office Police Station 2, and the Philippine Coast Guard Intelligence Group Southern Mindanao.
Authorities arrested the suspect, identified only by the alias “Mansawe,” 28 years old, a married tricycle driver who had reportedly been residing for about a month in Purok Raja Muda, Barangay Bula, General Santos City. He is originally from Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
According to PDEA-12, the suspect was positively identified and apprehended after selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative during the anti-drug operation conducted in front of a local eatery in the area.
Recovered from the suspect were five knot-tied transparent plastic bags containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu, weighing approximately half a kilogram and valued at around ₱3.4 million. Authorities also confiscated a brown paper bag, marked buy-bust money, and a black Android cellular phone believed to have been used in the illegal drug transaction.
Investigators said the seized narcotics are believed to have originated from Marawi City, a claim allegedly admitted by the suspect during initial questioning. He reportedly told authorities that he was merely instructed to deliver the illegal drugs to contacts in General Santos City.
Law enforcement officials are now conducting a deeper investigation to identify and dismantle the drug network behind the shipment, including the individuals responsible for supplying and distributing the illegal substances across different areas in Mindanao.
Authorities further disclosed that the suspect had previously been arrested in Cagayan de Oro City last year for a similar drug-related offense, raising concerns about his continued involvement in the illegal drug trade despite prior apprehension.
The suspect is currently detained at the PDEA-12 Custodial Facility in Koronadal City while authorities prepare the filing of charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs.
PDEA-12 emphasized that the successful operation demonstrates the agency’s sustained and intensified campaign against illegal drugs in Region 12. Officials reiterated their commitment to preventing the proliferation of narcotics and holding accountable individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
The latest seizure marks another significant accomplishment in the government’s anti-drug campaign, disrupting the distribution of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs that could have reached communities across General Santos City and neighboring areas.
Authorities urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities related to illegal drugs, stressing that community participation remains a vital component in the fight against narcotics and organized criminal networks.