Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte — In a series of successful law enforcement operations, authorities from the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADNPPO) apprehended three individuals involved in illegal drug activities and firearm possession in separate incidents on April 29 and 30, 2025.
In Purok 5, Barangay Caasinan, Cabadbaran City, joint operatives from the Cabadbaran City Police Station’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 13, implemented a search warrant that led to the arrest of a 24-year-old sari-sari store vendor known as alias “Randy.” The suspect, categorized as a Street Level Individual (SLI), was caught in possession of suspected “shabu,” or methamphetamine hydrochloride.
The following day, April 30, the Agusan del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit, together with the Buenavista Municipal Police Station and in coordination with PDEA-Agusan del Norte, conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok 8, Tinago, Barangay Matabao, Buenavista. This resulted in the arrest of a newly identified SLI, alias “Elmae,” a 33-year-old married driver and resident of District 2, Barangay Talisay, Nasipit. Illegal drugs were also seized during the operation.
On the same day, authorities also seized a .357 caliber revolver (Smith and Wesson model) without a serial number, loaded with four live .38 caliber rounds, along with illegal drugs during a loose firearm operation in Purok 1, Barangay Guiasan, Magallanes. The operation, led by the 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company and Magallanes Municipal Police Station, resulted in the arrest of alias “Christian,” a 27-year-old farmer.
All arrested individuals were informed of their constitutional rights in a language or dialect they understand. They are currently in the custody of the respective police stations and will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. In the case of alias “Christian,” additional charges for violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Section 261(q) of the Omnibus Election Code were also filed.
Representatives from the Department of Justice, local media, and barangay officials witnessed the implementation of the operations, ensuring transparency and adherence to legal procedures.