Authorities seize suspected shabu worth ₱102,000, marijuana kush, and drug paraphernalia during late-night operation in Barangay Balulang
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Nine individuals were arrested after operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 10 dismantled a suspected drug den during a buy-bust operation inside a subdivision in Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, at approximately 10:50 p.m. on October 20, 2026.
The operation targeted an alleged drug den and resulted in the recovery of suspected illegal drugs with a combined estimated value of ₱108,000, according to information provided by PDEA Region 10.
PDEA-10 Regional Director Alex M. Tablate identified the arrested individuals by their aliases as “Jezz,” 25, the alleged maintainer of the drug den; “19,” an alleged employee of the establishment; “Cris,” 27; “Lowe,” 24; “Dev,” 26; and “Pit-Pet,” 32. Also arrested were Josh, 21; Ar-j, 26; and Rey, 25. All nine are residents of Cagayan de Oro City.
The operation was led by the PDEA Region 10 Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, with support from the agency’s Seaport Interdiction Unit – Lanao del Norte Team Alpha, Regional Special Enforcement Team, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Office. Personnel from Cagayan de Oro City Police Office Police Station 4 also participated.
Suspected shabu and marijuana recovered
Authorities recovered eight heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, weighing approximately 15 grams. The seized substance was valued at ₱102,000 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s estimated valuation.
Operatives also confiscated three packs and one stick of suspected marijuana kush weighing approximately five grams, with an estimated value of ₱6,000.
Other items recovered included an empty steel box, a smartphone, two identification cards, a pickup truck, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the item identified in the operation report as the buy-bust.
The reported drug valuation totals ₱108,000, excluding the other seized items.
Nine face charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act
The nine arrested individuals are set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
These provisions cover various drug-related offenses, including the illegal sale of dangerous drugs, maintenance of a drug den, involvement in a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, and use of dangerous drugs, depending on the specific acts established against each individual.
The exact charges applicable to each suspect will depend on the evidence gathered and the findings of the authorities and prosecutors.
The arrests mark another anti-drug enforcement operation in Northern Mindanao, where PDEA Region 10 says it remains committed to pursuing illegal drug activities and dismantling suspected drug dens.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the suspects’ individual alleged roles beyond the identification of “Jezz” as the suspected drug den maintainer and “19” as an alleged employee.
As the case proceeds, the seized substances and other evidence are expected to form part of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. The allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to due process and determination by the courts.