TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental – A 19-year-old woman was arrested after authorities seized approximately 90 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱612,000 during a joint anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Zone 6, Barangay Sugbongcugon, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental on Friday, July 10, 2026.
The successful buy-bust operation was jointly carried out by personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 10 (PDEA-10) and the Tagoloan Municipal Police Station, resulting in the confiscation of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱612,000.
The suspect was identified only by her alias “Raray,” a 19-year-old resident of Barangay Sugbongcugon.
According to initial reports, authorities recovered around 90 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect during the operation, dealing another significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the municipality.
Investigators also disclosed that prior to the buy-bust operation, the suspect had allegedly been participating in a drug session together with several companions. However, when law enforcement officers launched the operation, the other individuals managed to flee the area and remain at large.
Authorities have launched a follow-up operation to identify and locate the fleeing individuals believed to have been involved in the illegal drug activity.
The arrested suspect is now under the custody of the authorities and is expected to face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The confiscated suspected shabu will be submitted to a forensic laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examination as part of the evidentiary requirements for the filing of criminal charges.
The operation underscores the continuing intensified campaign of PDEA and the Philippine National Police against illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao, with authorities reaffirming their commitment to dismantling local drug networks and apprehending individuals involved in the distribution of prohibited substances.
Police urged the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected illegal drug activities in their communities, emphasizing that community participation remains crucial in sustaining the government’s anti-drug campaign.