KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Four individuals identified by authorities as notorious drug personalities were arrested after a buy-bust operation that resulted in the dismantling of an alleged drug den in Purok Garcia, Barangay Concepcion, Koronadal City, on the evening of August 19, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 7:20 p.m. by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 (PDEA RO12) South Cotabato Provincial Office, in coordination with the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team, Koronadal City Drug Enforcement Team, and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU).
Arrested during the operation were alias “Jojet,” 50, identified as the alleged maintainer of the drug den; alias “Angel,” 27, identified as an alleged employee of the drug den; and aliases “Jingle,” 32, and “Ading,” 24, both identified by authorities as visitors at the suspected drug den.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 11.3 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱76,840.
Also recovered were two open transparent plastic sachets containing traces of suspected shabu, one improvised tooter with suspected drug residue, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the buy-bust money used during the operation.
The dismantling of the suspected drug den adds another significant development to ongoing anti-illegal drug operations in Koronadal City, where authorities continue to target not only street-level drug transactions but also locations allegedly being used to facilitate the use and distribution of illegal drugs.
The four suspects are set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These provisions cover the illegal sale and distribution of dangerous drugs, operation or maintenance of a drug den, use of illegal drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia, among other prohibited acts.
The suspects remain subject to the legal process, and the allegations against them will have to be established in court.
PDEA RO12 said the successful operation demonstrates the continuing commitment of the agency and its law enforcement partners to dismantle drug dens, disrupt illegal drug networks, and apprehend individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
The operation also highlights the authorities’ intensified efforts to prevent suspected drug dens from becoming venues for the distribution and consumption of illegal substances in local communities.