GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Three alleged high-value individuals (HVIs) in the illegal drug trade were arrested after police seized approximately 200.8 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of ₱1,365,440 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Labangal here on Tuesday afternoon, September 8, 2026.
The operation was carried out at about 3:58 p.m. by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12) as the lead operating unit, in coordination with Police Station No. 2 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 (PDEA 12).
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only through their aliases as “Naro,” 50, a former elected barangay kagawad of Barangay Mangay in Talitay, BARMM; “Jolt,” 44; and “Kick,” 51, both residents of Purok Mudia, Barangay Labangal, General Santos City.
Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of one sachet containing approximately 5.17 grams of suspected shabu, allegedly sold during the drug transaction, along with four large sachets containing approximately 195.63 grams that were reportedly recovered from the suspects’ possession.
The combined estimated weight of the seized suspected illegal drugs was placed at 200.8 grams, with an estimated National Standard Drug Price (NSDP) value of ₱1,365,440.
Other pieces of evidence, including the buy-bust money and personal belongings allegedly used to conceal the suspected illegal drugs, were also recovered during the operation.
The confiscated substances have been turned over to the custody of the case investigator and are set to undergo forensic examination at the Regional Forensic Unit in General Santos City as part of the investigation and evidence-processing procedures.
The three suspects are currently detained at Police Station No. 2 of the GSCPO while authorities prepare the appropriate complaints for inquest proceedings.
Police said the suspects may face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, subject to the findings of the investigation and the determination of prosecutors.
The operation highlights the continuing coordination between law enforcement units in Region 12 in targeting individuals allegedly involved in the distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs.
Police Regional Office 12 Director PBGen Alan B. Manibog reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to intensifying operations against the illegal drug trade.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pagtugis sa mga sangkot sa ilegal na droga. Ang pagkakaaresto sa tatlong high-value individuals at pagkakasamsam ng malaking halaga ng hinihinalang shabu ay patunay ng ating matatag na operasyon laban sa drug trade. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang ating ugnayan sa PDEA at iba pang katuwang na ahensya upang mapanatiling ligtas at payapa ang ating mga komunidad,” Manibog said.
Authorities said the operation forms part of the continuing campaign to dismantle illegal drug activities and prevent the circulation of dangerous drugs in communities across the region.
The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.