ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — A suspected drug distributor tagged as a High Value Individual (HVI) was arrested after authorities confiscated approximately P680,000 worth of suspected shabu during a joint anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Saray, Iligan City late Wednesday night, June 24.
The operation, conducted at around 9:51 p.m., was spearheaded by the Iligan City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) in coordination with the Iligan City Police Station 5 (ICPS5), Iligan City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), intelligence operatives of ICPS5, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-10 (PDEA-10).
Arrested during the buy-bust operation was a 45-year-old man identified only by the alias “Ro,” a resident of Barangay Saray. Police said the suspect is single, unemployed, and listed among the city’s High Value Individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
Authorities revealed that the suspect is not new to law enforcement records, noting that he is already a third-time offender for violations related to illegal drugs. Investigators disclosed that due to the absence of a stable source of income, the suspect allegedly resorted to drug trafficking as his primary means of livelihood.
According to police intelligence reports, “Ro” had been actively engaged in the distribution of illegal drugs not only within Iligan City but also in neighboring Lugait, Misamis Oriental, making him a significant target in the region’s anti-drug campaign.
Seized from the suspect were nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 100 grams and carried an estimated Standard Drug Price of P680,000.
Also recovered during the operation were a pocket organizer and three P100 bills used as marked money in the buy-bust transaction.
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought into police custody at Iligan City Police Station 5 for proper documentation and processing.
Authorities are preparing charges against him for violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The confiscated substances have been turned over to the Regional Crime Laboratory Office 10 in Tipanoy, Iligan City, where they will undergo qualitative and quantitative examinations to confirm their composition and exact weight.
Police officials described the operation as another significant blow against illegal drug activities in Northern Mindanao, particularly against individuals considered major players in local drug networks.
Regional Director Christopher N. Abrahano lauded the operatives for the successful conduct of the operation and reiterated the police force’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs.
“PRO 10 remains firm in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, especially against High Value Individuals. We will sustain operations to dismantle drug networks and ensure Northern Mindanao remains free from illegal drug activities. All violators will be held fully accountable under the law,” Abrahano said.
The arrest underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug syndicates and curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in communities across Northern Mindanao, as authorities vow to pursue both street-level dealers and high-value targets involved in the narcotics trade.