CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 10 successfully dismantled an alleged drug den in Saint Andrew Street, Zone 6, Barangay Capisnon, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City on the evening of February 12, 2026, leading to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.
The operation, conducted at around 7:20 p.m., was carried out through a joint buy-bust operation led by PDEA’s Regional Special Enforcement Team, with support from personnel of the Philippine National Police, particularly the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office – Police Station 4.
Authorities said the successful operation was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance following reports of rampant illegal drug activities in the area. Acting on verified information, operatives launched the buy-bust operation that resulted in the immediate arrest of the suspects inside the identified drug den.
During the raid, law enforcers confiscated 23 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of 6.5 grams and a standard drug price of ₱44,200.00. Also recovered were various drug paraphernalia, a red cigarette pack used as a container for the illegal substances, and marked buy-bust money used during the transaction.
PDEA Regional Director Alex M. Tablate identified the arrested individuals as: alias “Alvin,” 28, single; alias “Ian,” 20, married; alias “Jo,” 48, married; alias “Nel,” 29, single; and alias “Van,” 17, single. Authorities said the suspects were allegedly operating as a small network involved in the distribution and use of illegal drugs in the community.
All suspects are now facing charges for violations of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), 6 (Maintenance of a Drug Den), 7 (Employees and Visitors of a Drug Den), 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), and 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA officials emphasized that the dismantling of the drug den is part of the agency’s intensified campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao and to protect communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.
“This successful operation reflects our strong commitment to rid our communities of illegal drugs and bring those responsible to justice,” Tablate said in a statement. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and local stakeholders to ensure safer neighborhoods for our people.”
Residents in the area welcomed the operation, expressing hope that the crackdown would help restore peace and order in their community. Authorities also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to help sustain the fight against illegal drugs.
The suspects are currently under PDEA custody and will be subjected to inquest proceedings as authorities prepare formal cases against them before the courts.