A 42-year-old man identified as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade was arrested during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay 35, Cagayan de Oro City, late Thursday night, November 5, 2026, after police operatives seized approximately 105 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱714,000.
The operation was conducted at around 10:35 p.m. and resulted in the arrest of alias “Atang,” 42, single, and a resident of the same barangay.
The Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) Team 1 spearheaded the operation in coordination with the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit 10 (RA RID 10), COCPO City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) Special Operations Unit 10, COCPO Police Station 3–Agora, Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU 10), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 10.
Authorities recovered nine heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with a combined estimated weight of 105 grams. The seized substances carry an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱714,000.
Other items confiscated during the operation included a red sling bag, a touchscreen mobile phone, a motorcycle, and a ₱1,000 bill used as marked buy-bust money.
The arrest forms part of the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10), which has emphasized intelligence-based operations and inter-agency coordination in targeting individuals allegedly involved in the distribution of prohibited substances.
Following his arrest, the suspect was placed under the custody of the Maharlika Custodial Facility for proper disposition. The confiscated suspected illegal drugs will be turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 (RFU 10) for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examinations to establish their composition and actual weight.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
PRO 10 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Nestor C. Babagay Jr. underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement operations against individuals identified as high-value targets in the illegal drug trade.
He said police operations would remain focused, intelligence-driven, and conducted within the bounds of the law, stressing that authorities would continue pursuing those allegedly involved in illegal drug activities to protect communities from the dangers associated with prohibited substances.
Babagay also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing information on suspected illegal drug activities.
The latest arrest highlights the continuing anti-drug enforcement efforts in Cagayan de Oro, where police authorities are relying on intelligence gathering and coordinated operations to identify and apprehend suspected drug personalities.