DAVAO CITY – A suspected high-value marijuana supplier was arrested during an early morning anti-drug operation in Davao City on Saturday, July 11, after authorities seized an estimated ₱1.6 million worth of suspected marijuana vape cartridges, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported.
The operation was jointly carried out by operatives of the Regional Special Enforcement Team–Davao City Office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 11 (PDEA RO11) and the National Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI SEMRO) at approximately 5:10 a.m. on the second floor of a residence along Durian Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina Crossing, Davao City.
Arrested during the buy-bust operation was the target identified only by the alias “Cebastian,” a 22-year-old, single, resident of Panabo City. Authorities described him as a notorious marijuana pusher who had been under surveillance prior to the operation.
According to investigators, the suspect was apprehended after he allegedly sold one vape cartridge containing suspected marijuana oil worth ₱3,000 to a PDEA operative acting as a poseur-buyer, signaling the successful execution of the anti-illegal drug operation.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s possession and the operation site led to the confiscation of 39 vape cartridges containing suspected marijuana oil, with an estimated street value of ₱1.6 million. Authorities also recovered the marked buy-bust money used in the transaction.
The seized marijuana vape cartridges were turned over for proper documentation, inventory, and laboratory examination as part of the case build-up.
The operation highlights the growing concern among law enforcement agencies over the proliferation of marijuana-infused vape products, which are becoming an increasingly popular method of distributing and consuming illegal cannabis extracts due to their discreet appearance and ease of concealment.
PDEA has repeatedly warned the public that marijuana oil and cannabis-infused vape cartridges remain prohibited under Philippine law and are classified as dangerous drugs under existing legislation.
Authorities said the suspect is now under the custody of law enforcement while appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, are being prepared for filing before the appropriate court.
PDEA and the NBI reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations against individuals and groups engaged in the illegal drug trade, particularly those involved in the distribution of high-value and emerging forms of dangerous drugs in the Davao Region.