Butuan City – Two suspected drug personalities were arrested during a late-night buy-bust operation on May 1 that led to the confiscation of an estimated ₱1.7 million worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Villa Kanangga, Butuan City.
The suspects, identified by authorities as alias “Jibby,” 32, a glass installer from Barangay 1, Cabadbaran City, and alias “Jason,” 38, a driver from Barangay Doña Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte, were apprehended at around 11:16 PM by a joint team from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) 13, Butuan City Police Office Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 13.
According to Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13), the operation was launched after receiving a tip from a local informant about the suspects’ alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade. The suspects were placed under surveillance prior to the operation.
Authorities said the suspects sold a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover agent posing as a buyer. The sting operation resulted in the seizure of 250 grams of suspected shabu and other non-drug paraphernalia.
The arrested individuals are now facing charges for violation of Sections 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This operation is a strong message to those who continue to engage in the illegal drug trade. We remain relentless in our campaign to keep our communities safe and drug-free,” PBGen Abrahano stated.
The suspects are currently in police custody pending the filing of formal charges.