GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Police operatives arrested a 47-year-old man identified by the alias “Hycon” and seized approximately 51 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱346,800 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bula, General Santos City, on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 7:31 p.m. in front of a water refilling station and was led 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), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 12 (PDEG-SOU 12), and Police Station 6. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 (PDEA 12) also coordinated with the operating team.
Authorities identified the arrested individual as a resident of Barangay Apopong, General Santos City. He was classified by the police as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade.
During the operation, authorities reportedly recovered one sachet containing approximately 0.5 gram of suspected shabu, identified as the subject of the transaction, along with three additional sachets containing an estimated 50.5 grams of the suspected illegal drug.
The total confiscated substance weighed approximately 51 grams, with an estimated standard drug value of ₱346,800, according to the police report.
Operatives also recovered the ₱1,000 buy-bust money allegedly used in the transaction, as well as a weighing scale, a mobile phone, a sling bag, and a motorcycle. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the motorcycle or the other recovered items.
The seized substances were turned over to the case investigator for submission to the Regional Forensic Unit 12 in General Santos City for laboratory examination. The forensic process is expected to establish the nature and composition of the confiscated substance.
As of the latest report, the suspect remained in the temporary custody of Police Station 6 while authorities prepared a formal complaint for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The filing of the complaint and subsequent legal proceedings will determine the charges to be pursued against the suspect. The allegations remain subject to the appropriate judicial process.
PRO 12 vows to intensify anti-drug campaign
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Alan B. Manibog reiterated the regional police command’s commitment to strengthening operations against illegal drugs and holding alleged offenders accountable under the law.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsasagawa ng mga operasyong nakabatay sa batas upang mapanagot ang mga lumalabag at maprotektahan ang ating mga komunidad. Hinihikayat din natin ang publiko na makipagtulungan sa kapulisan upang mapanatiling ligtas at drug-free ang ating mga pamayanan,” Manibog said.
The arrest adds to the anti-drug enforcement activities being conducted by police units in Region 12. Authorities continue to encourage residents to report suspected illegal drug activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The case will proceed through the required investigative and legal processes, including forensic examination of the seized substance and the filing of the appropriate complaint against the arrested individual.