MATI CITY, Davao Oriental – Authorities dismantled an alleged drug den and arrested four suspected drug personalities, including its alleged maintainer, during a joint anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region XI and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Barangay Matiao, Mati City.
The successful buy-bust operation was carried out at around 12:05 a.m. on July 31, 2026, in Purok Centro, Barangay Matiao, as part of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
The operation was led by Police Captain Ariel A. Ismael, Deputy Chief of Police of the Mati City Police Station, under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Frederick C. Sa-ao, Acting Chief of Police. The operation was conducted in coordination with the PDEA Davao Oriental Provincial Office and the Davao Oriental Maritime Police Station (DAVOR MARPSTA).
Authorities arrested four individuals classified as High-Value Targets (HVTs) under the government’s anti-drug campaign. Those apprehended included the alleged drug den maintainer, one alleged drug den employee, and two alleged drug den visitors.
During the operation, law enforcement operatives confiscated more than 25 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱170,000, including the buy-bust item. They also recovered five sachets containing suspected shabu, various drug paraphernalia, and the marked buy-bust money used during the entrapment operation.
The suspects are currently under the custody of the Mati City Police Station while criminal charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared and filed against them.
Police authorities emphasized that the successful dismantling of the alleged drug den highlights the continuing collaboration between the PNP and PDEA in suppressing illegal drug activities across Davao Oriental.
The Mati City Police Station also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its anti-illegal drug campaign through close coordination with other law enforcement agencies and the active support of the community.
Authorities urged the public to continue reporting suspected illegal drug activities, stressing that community participation remains a vital component in achieving a safer, more peaceful, and drug-free Mati City.