BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — A 38-year-old man was arrested and approximately 72 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱489,600 were seized during a joint anti-drug operation in Barangay Obrero, Butuan City, on the evening of Monday, October 26, 2026, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XIII.
The operation was conducted at Purok 4, Barangay Obrero, by personnel of the PDEA Regional Office XIII Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, Seaport Interdiction Unit (SIU), Airport Interdiction Unit (AIU), and Legal and Prosecution Unit (LPU), in coordination with Butuan City Police Station 2.
Authorities identified the arrested individual as a 38-year-old, single, unemployed male resident of Barangay Obrero who had been classified as a priority drug personality by law enforcement agencies.
Six sachets of suspected shabu recovered
Authorities reported recovering six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu during the operation.
One sachet, containing approximately seven grams of the suspected illegal drug, was allegedly sold during the buy-bust transaction. Five additional sachets, with a combined estimated weight of 65 grams, were reportedly recovered from the suspect’s possession.
The total estimated weight of the seized substance was approximately 72 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱489,600. Law enforcement personnel also recovered the buy-bust money used in the operation.
The confiscated substances remain described as suspected shabu, with their identity and composition subject to the appropriate forensic examination.
Suspect faces charges under Republic Act 9165
The arrested man is expected to face charges for the sale and possession of dangerous drugs under Sections 5 and 11, respectively, of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended by Republic Act No. 10640.
Section 5 penalizes the unlawful sale, trading, administration, dispensing, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
The filing of charges and subsequent court proceedings will determine the legal consequences of the allegations. The suspect’s arrest does not, by itself, establish guilt.
PDEA stresses inter-agency and community cooperation
PDEA Regional Office XIII Director Laurefel P. Gabales commended the personnel involved in the operation, citing their coordination and commitment to enforcing the country’s anti-drug laws.
Gabales also emphasized the importance of cooperation among law enforcement agencies, local government units, community leaders, witnesses, and ordinary citizens in preventing and suppressing illegal drug activities.
The operation highlights the continuing role of coordinated enforcement efforts in addressing suspected drug distribution at the community level. Sustained anti-drug campaigns, however, also depend on lawful procedures, reliable evidence, and respect for the rights of persons accused of offenses.
Authorities have not provided further details in the information released, including the suspect’s identity, the results of laboratory testing, or the next scheduled legal proceedings.
The seized substances and the allegations against the arrested individual will be subject to the applicable investigative and judicial processes.