DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A suspected high-value drug personality described by authorities as an alleged notorious drug pusher was arrested during a joint buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and police authorities in Digos City, Davao del Sur, on August 28, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 3:03 p.m. at Purok Talakitok, Barangay Dawis, following an intelligence-driven operation targeting the suspect.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only as alias “Jul,” 46, who was allegedly caught in the act of selling suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, to an undercover PDEA operative who acted as the poseur-buyer.
According to the authorities, the suspect handed over one plastic sachet containing suspected shabu to the poseur-buyer in exchange for ₱7,000 in marked buy-bust money. This transaction prompted the operating team to immediately arrest the suspect.
A subsequent search and inventory also resulted in the recovery of three additional heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets allegedly containing suspected shabu.
The three sachets were reported to have a combined estimated weight of 25 grams, with an estimated street value of approximately ₱170,000, based on the standard drug price used by authorities.
The operating team also recovered the marked buy-bust money and other pieces of non-drug evidence believed to be relevant to the investigation.
The operation was led by operatives of the Davao del Sur Provincial Office of PDEA Regional Office 11 (PDEA RO11) in coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
Authorities classified the suspect as a high-value target drug personality, although the allegations against him remain subject to the appropriate legal proceedings.
The arrest forms part of the continuing law-enforcement campaign against the distribution and sale of illegal drugs in Davao del Sur, particularly against individuals allegedly involved in the local drug trade.
The confiscated substances will be subjected to the required laboratory examination and proper documentation as part of the evidence-handling process.
The suspect is expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
Authorities reiterated that suspects arrested in anti-drug operations are entitled to due process and that allegations contained in the police and PDEA operation do not constitute a final finding of guilt. The suspect’s guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined by the proper court.