Police arrested a suspected High-Value Individual (HVI) and seized approximately 15.73 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱106,964 during a buy-bust operation in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, on the evening of September 2, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 10:13 p.m. in Barangay Buenaflor, following an operation carried out by the Tacurong City Police Station (CPS) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 12 (PDEA XII).
Arrested was a 36-year-old driver identified by the authorities as alias “Dublas,” a resident of Barangay Buenaflor. PDEA XII had identified the suspect as a High-Value Individual allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of three sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
One sachet, containing approximately 1.87 grams of suspected shabu, was reportedly obtained during the buy-bust transaction. Two additional sachets containing approximately 13.86 grams were allegedly recovered from the suspect’s possession.
The total estimated weight of the suspected illegal drugs seized was 15.73 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱106,964.
Aside from the suspected shabu, authorities also recovered a cellphone, a coin purse, and the ₱1,000 buy-bust money used during the operation.
Following the arrest, the suspect and all seized items were brought under the custody of the Tacurong City Police Station for proper documentation, inventory and disposition.
Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The arrest forms part of continuing law enforcement efforts in Sultan Kudarat and the wider Soccsksargen region to disrupt the distribution of illegal drugs and target individuals considered major players in the illegal drug trade.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to the appropriate legal proceedings, and the seized substance will undergo examination to determine its actual composition.