PANTUKAN, Davao de Oro – Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and seized more than ₱2.4 million worth of suspected shabu following a coordinated anti-drug operation that culminated in the arrest of the alleged drug den maintainer and his live-in partner after an intensive hot pursuit operation.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 11 (PDEA RO11) in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation–Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-SEMRO) and the Pantukan Municipal Police Station.
The initial buy-bust operation was conducted at around 5:50 p.m. on July 24, 2026, in Purok 6, Barangay Bongabong, Pantukan, Davao de Oro, targeting the alleged drug den maintained by a suspect identified only by the alias “Paeng.”
However, the primary target managed to evade arrest during the operation. Despite his escape, law enforcement operatives successfully dismantled the drug den and arrested one alleged employee identified as alias “Botyok” along with two alleged drug den visitors identified as aliases “Jared” and “Pong-Pong.”
During the operation, authorities recovered five plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 85 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱578,000. Also confiscated were assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities, as well as the marked buy-bust money used during the operation.
Hot Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Drug Den Maintainer
Determined to capture the escaped suspect, the operating team immediately launched a hot pursuit operation.
At around 12:25 a.m. on July 25, 2026, authorities tracked down and arrested alias “Paeng” at Angel Beach Resort in Barangay Tibagon, Pantukan. Also arrested during the operation was his live-in partner, identified only as alias “Rovelyn.”
The follow-up operation resulted in the seizure of an additional five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 270 grams with an estimated street value of ₱1,836,000.
Authorities also confiscated a caliber .45 pistol loaded with five live rounds of ammunition, along with assorted drug paraphernalia believed to be connected to the suspects’ alleged illegal drug operations.
More Than ₱2.4 Million Worth of Illegal Drugs Confiscated
Combined, the two operations yielded approximately 355 grams of suspected shabu with a total estimated value of ₱2,414,000, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade operating in Pantukan.
The successful dismantling of the alleged drug den also prevented the continued distribution of illegal drugs within the municipality and neighboring communities.
Charges Filed
The arrested suspects are set to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
In addition, alias “Paeng” will also face charges under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, following the recovery of the unlicensed caliber .45 pistol and live ammunition during his arrest.
Authorities continue to intensify intelligence-driven anti-illegal drug operations across Davao Region, emphasizing that the dismantling of drug dens and the arrest of high-value drug personalities remain among their top priorities in the campaign against illegal drugs.