MONTEVISTA, Davao de Oro – An alleged drug pusher was arrested during a joint anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region XI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Montevista, Davao de Oro, early Saturday, July 18, resulting in the confiscation of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P353,000.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Adrian,” 33, was apprehended shortly after 12:00 a.m. in Purok 5, Barangay Banagbanag, Montevista, after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth P7,000 to an undercover PDEA operative acting as a poseur-buyer.
According to a report from PDEA Regional Office XI, the successful buy-bust operation led to the recovery of an additional 51 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect’s possession, with an estimated standard drug price of P346,000.
In total, authorities seized suspected illegal drugs valued at approximately P353,000, including the sachet sold during the operation and the additional confiscated narcotics.
The suspect is currently under the custody of law enforcement authorities while the seized evidence undergoes proper documentation and laboratory examination as part of the case build-up.
He is set to face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly provisions relating to the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
The operation forms part of the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of PDEA and the PNP aimed at dismantling local drug networks and preventing the distribution of prohibited substances in communities across Davao Region.
Authorities reiterated their appeal to the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting anti-drug efforts by reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that community cooperation remains a vital component in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.