TAGOLOAN, Misamis Oriental — Police arrested a suspected high-value individual in the illegal drug trade and seized approximately 320 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱2.176 million during a buy-bust operation in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, early Thursday morning, August 20, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 2:48 a.m. in Zone 5, Barangay Bontong, Sta. Ana, by personnel of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Tagoloan Municipal Police Station, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by the alias “Jas,” 28, unemployed, single, and a resident of the area. Police classified the suspect as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade.
During the operation, authorities reportedly recovered several heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. One of the sachets was allegedly used as the drug item in the buy-bust transaction.
Police said the seized suspected illegal drugs had a combined weight of approximately 320 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱2.176 million.
Aside from the suspected shabu, operatives also recovered the ₱1,000 buy-bust money used during the operation, as well as an identification card, a digital weighing scale, a mobile phone, and a gray belt bag allegedly in the suspect’s possession.
The arrest is part of continuing police operations against the distribution and sale of illegal drugs in Misamis Oriental, particularly targeting individuals believed to be involved in the local drug trade.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Tagoloan Municipal Police Station for documentation and further legal proceedings.
Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The seized substance will be subjected to the required examination and documentation procedures as part of the investigation and court proceedings.