SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — Three individuals were arrested after a joint anti-drug operation dismantled an alleged drug den in Bagong Silang 1, Barangay Washington, Surigao City, on October 15, 2026, resulting in the seizure of approximately 39.97 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱271,796.
The operation involved personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XIII–Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, Surigao City Seaport Interdiction Unit, Surigao del Norte Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit/Drug Enforcement Unit, and Surigao City Police Station.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as a 45-year-old man residing in Bagong Silang 1, Barangay Washington, who allegedly maintained the drug den; a 40-year-old woman from Barangay San Pablo, Tubod, Surigao del Norte, who was allegedly employed at the establishment; and a 56-year-old man from Barangay San Juan, Surigao City.
All three were taken into custody following the operation. Authorities have yet to establish their guilt in court.
Shabu, drug paraphernalia, and suspected transaction records recovered
Operatives recovered one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing approximately 6.10 grams of suspected shabu, identified as the subject of the alleged drug sale, along with 17 additional sachets containing approximately 33.87 grams of the suspected illegal substance.
The combined reported weight of the seized shabu was approximately 39.97 grams, with an estimated standard value of ₱271,796.
Authorities also confiscated sachets containing white residue, improvised scoops, glass and improvised water pipes, a weighing scale, empty plastic sachets, aluminum foil, lighters, scissors, and other items believed to be associated with illegal drug use and distribution.
Other recovered evidence included buy-bust money, two mobile phones, identification cards, notebooks believed to have been used as transaction ledgers, and various personal effects.
The volume of suspected shabu and the assortment of seized materials will form part of the evidence to be examined by investigators as they build their case against the arrested individuals.
Multiple charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act
The three individuals may face charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended by Republic Act No. 10640.
The possible charges include violations of Section 5, concerning the sale of dangerous drugs; Section 6, covering the maintenance of a drug den, dive, or resort; Section 7, concerning employees and visitors of such establishments; Section 11, involving possession of dangerous drugs; Section 12, covering possession of equipment, instruments, apparatus, and other drug paraphernalia; and Section 26, concerning attempt or conspiracy.
The final charges will depend on the determination of the appropriate authorities and the evidence gathered during the investigation.
PDEA underscores inter-agency cooperation and community vigilance
Director III Laurefel P. Gabales, regional director of PDEA Regional Office XIII, commended the participating law enforcement units for their coordinated efforts, stressing that cooperation among agencies remains essential to combating illegal drug activities and protecting communities from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs.
“The successful dismantling of this alleged drug den demonstrates what law enforcement agencies can accomplish when they work together with a common purpose. I commend all participating personnel for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to our mandate. Our collective efforts must remain firmly grounded in the rule of law, respect for human rights, and the protection of the public,” Gabales said.
The regional director also acknowledged the contributions of local government units, witnesses, and community members whose cooperation and timely reports on suspected illegal drug activities help authorities respond to potential threats.
Gabales emphasized that the campaign against illegal drugs requires more than law enforcement operations, pointing to the importance of active community participation in identifying and reporting suspected criminal activities.
“We recognize that the fight against illegal drugs cannot be won by law enforcement alone. Our barangays and local communities are indispensable partners. We encourage everyone to continue reporting suspected illegal drug activities through appropriate and safe channels. Every credible report can help prevent drug-related harm, protect families, and make our communities safer,” he added.
The operation highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Surigao del Norte to disrupt suspected illegal drug activities through coordinated enforcement and community cooperation. Authorities are expected to pursue the appropriate legal proceedings based on the evidence recovered during the operation.