PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – A former barangay chairman, a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councilor, and an AWOL former soldier were arrested after authorities dismantled an alleged drug den during a joint buy-bust operation in Purok 7, Barangay Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, on the evening of August 4.
The operation was conducted by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13 in coordination with the Prosperidad Municipal Police Station (MPS) as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the Caraga Region.
Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases:
- “Dwin” – the alleged drug den maintainer and a former barangay chairman;
- “Aljun” – an incumbent SK councilor who was allegedly working as a drug den employee; and
- “Kling2x” – an AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) former soldier who was reportedly inside the drug den as a visitor during the operation.
According to PDEA, the buy-bust operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 20.5 grams of suspected shabu contained in 12 heat-sealed sachets, along with the marked buy-bust money, assorted drug paraphernalia, a counterfeit ₱1,000 bill, and other personal belongings believed to be connected to the illegal drug operation.
The successful raid also led to the dismantling of what authorities described as a drug den that had allegedly been operating in the area and had long been under surveillance.
PDEA disclosed that alias “Dwin” has now been arrested for the third time in connection with illegal drug activities, underscoring his alleged repeated involvement in the illegal drug trade despite previous apprehensions.
Following the operation, the three suspects were taken into police custody before being transferred to the custody of PDEA Regional Office 13, where the confiscated evidence is being processed.
Authorities are preparing criminal charges against the suspects for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly provisions related to the maintenance of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs, and other offenses that may arise from the investigation.
PDEA said investigators are also continuing their probe to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged illegal drug operation.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations across the region, emphasizing that law enforcement will continue to pursue drug personalities and dismantle illegal drug networks to help maintain peace and public safety throughout Caraga.