CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱3.4 million and arrested a High-Value Individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) in Barangay 36, Cagayan de Oro City, on the evening of July 27, 2026.
The anti-drug operation was spearheaded by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) Team 2 in coordination with the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) and other law enforcement units in Yacapin, Barangay 36.
Arrested during the operation was the suspect identified only by the alias “Riyo,” 30, a resident of Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. However, his alleged accomplice, identified by the alias “Jojo,” managed to escape during the operation and remains at large. Police have launched follow-up operations to locate and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Investigators disclosed that “Riyo” was allegedly involved in a series of robbery incidents in Cagayan de Oro City. The investigator handling the case further revealed that the suspect had already been arrested last year in connection with a robbery case, adding to his criminal record.
Authorities also uncovered during the investigation that the confiscated illegal drugs were allegedly sourced from Lanao del Sur, indicating a possible supply route being monitored by law enforcement as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle regional drug trafficking networks.
Recovered from the suspect were 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of varying sizes containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with a combined weight of approximately 500 grams. The seized illegal drugs carry an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱3.4 million. Several pieces of drug paraphernalia were also confiscated during the operation.
The arrested suspect has been placed under the custody of the Maharlika Custodial Facility pending the filing of appropriate charges. Meanwhile, the confiscated suspected shabu will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit-10 (RFU-10) for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examinations.
Police said the suspect will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalize the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of PRO-10, lauded the operating teams for the successful anti-illegal drug operation, describing it as another major accomplishment in the region’s intensified campaign against illegal narcotics.
“This significant drug seizure is another testament to PRO10’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal drug networks and protecting our communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to ensure that those engaged in the illegal drug trade are brought to justice,” Abrahano said.
The latest operation underscores PRO-10’s sustained crackdown on illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao, particularly against high-value targets believed to be involved in the distribution of prohibited substances across the region. Authorities also continue to pursue the escaped suspect while expanding their investigation to identify other individuals linked to the alleged drug supply chain.