KORONADAL CITY – Authorities seized more than ₱2.4 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested three high-value individuals (HVIs) during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Sto. Niño on April 23, 2025.
According to Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), the joint operation was carried out by personnel from the Koronadal City Police Station, South Cotabato Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), and the Regional Intelligence Division 12. The bust took place in Purok Twin River West.
Arrested during the operation were three individuals identified only by their aliases: “Taloy,” 39, of Barangay New Lambunao; “Lando,” 32, of Barangay Saravia; and “Nono,” 42, of Barangay Topland — all residents of Koronadal City and tagged as high-value drug personalities.
Police recovered eight sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 353 grams and a total street value of ₱2,400,400 based on the National Standard Drug Price. Also seized were a homemade 12-gauge break-open pistol and ₱500 in marked buy-bust money.
The suspects and confiscated items are now in the custody of the Koronadal City Police Station for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to curbing the illegal drug trade in SOCCSKSARGEN.
“The seizure of over ₱2.4 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of three high-value individuals is a clear message to drug personalities in the region. PRO 12 is relentless in its campaign against illegal drugs. We will pursue and dismantle these networks to protect our communities and ensure a safer SOCCSKSARGEN,” he said.