GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Two alleged high-value individuals (HVIs) were arrested after police seized approximately 52 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱353,600 during a buy-bust operation along the National Highway in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City, on September 1, 2026.
The operation was carried out at about 2:09 p.m. by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12) in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 12 (PDEG SOU 12), and Police Station 5 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), with support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 (PDEA 12).
Police identified the arrested suspects as alias “Papart,” 29, a fishport laborer and resident of Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City, and alias “Konde,” a carpenter and resident of Maasim, Sarangani Province.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the recovery of six sachets containing suspected shabu, including the sachet allegedly sold during the controlled purchase.
The seized illegal drugs were placed under police custody and subsequently turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 12 for laboratory examination.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, operatives also recovered ₱10,000 in buy-bust money and two revolvers. One was a .38-caliber firearm loaded with one live ammunition, while the other was a .357-caliber firearm.
Police also recovered other pieces of evidence believed to be relevant to the operation, including cellular phones, cash, sling bags, and a motorcycle.
The suspects were brought to and remain under the custody of Police Station 5 of the GSCPO for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities said the two suspects are set to face complaints for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Section 5 of RA 9165 covers the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery or distribution of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers possession of dangerous drugs. The firearms-related charges stem from the recovery of the two revolvers during the operation.
The suspected shabu will remain subject to forensic examination and proper legal proceedings, while the firearms and other recovered items will likewise be documented as evidence.
The arrests underscore the continuing anti-illegal drug and firearms operations being conducted by law enforcement authorities in General Santos City and neighboring areas, particularly against individuals identified by police as high-value targets.
As of the latest police report, the suspects remain in custody pending the filing of charges before the appropriate prosecutor’s office. They are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.