CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur — Police drug operatives in Caraga arrested a newly identified street-level individual and seized 43.87 grams of suspected shabu valued at approximately ₱297,704 during a search-warrant operation in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Cantilan Municipal Police Station (MPS) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13, as part of the Police Regional Office 13’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs in the region.
According to PBGen Rolindo M. Suguilon, director of PRO 13, the operation was conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 41 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
43.87 Grams of Suspected Shabu Recovered
The suspect, identified by authorities only as alias “Rafael,” 34, married, was arrested at Purok 6, Barangay Parang, Cantilan.
Police said the search resulted in the recovery of 17 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with a combined estimated weight of 43.87 grams.
The seized substance was given an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱297,704, according to PRO 13.
Authorities also recovered other items described as drug and non-drug paraphernalia during the implementation of the search warrant.
The operation was witnessed by a barangay official and a media representative, as required in the conduct and documentation of search and seizure operations.
Suspect, Evidence Turned Over for Proper Disposition
Following the operation, the arrested suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Cantilan MPS for documentation, inventory, and appropriate disposition.
Authorities said the seized suspected illegal drugs will undergo the required examination and evidentiary procedures, while appropriate charges will be filed against the suspect based on the results of the investigation and applicable provisions of law.
PBGen Suguilon described the operation as another significant accomplishment in the regional police force’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“This is another significant accomplishment in our campaign against illegal drugs. We assure the public that there will be no let-up in our efforts to eradicate illegal drugs from the streets of Caraga and ensure a safer and more secure community for all,” Suguilon said.
The arrest adds to the continuing anti-drug operations being conducted by law-enforcement agencies across Caraga, with police and PDEA units targeting individuals allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal drugs at the community level.
Authorities reiterated their call for public cooperation in reporting suspected illegal-drug activities while emphasizing that operations must be carried out in accordance with existing laws and established procedures.
The arrested individual remains under police custody while the necessary documentation and legal proceedings are being undertaken.