CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — An anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 10 (RPDEU-10) resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug dealer and the confiscation of nearly ₱748,000 worth of suspected shabu in Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City, on February 17, 2026.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias “Choy,” 36 years old, married, unemployed, and a resident of Zone 11-A, Sihayun, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
According to police reports, operatives seized nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. The illegal drugs weighed approximately 110 grams and carried an estimated standard drug price of ₱748,000.00. Also recovered during the operation was a ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money.
Investigators revealed that the suspect is a repeat offender who had previously been convicted for violating the country’s anti-drug laws. Records further indicate that he had been frequently staying in Barangay Bonbon since last year, allegedly to avoid being recognized in his hometown and to continue his illegal activities discreetly.
Following his arrest, the suspect was placed under the custody of the Maharlika Detention Facility of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) for proper disposition.
Authorities said charges for violation of Sections 5 (Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against him.
The confiscated illegal drugs will be turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit-10 for qualitative and quantitative examination to serve as evidence in court.
In a statement, Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director Christopher N. Abrahano lauded the operating units for their successful operation.
“We remain relentless in our efforts to dismantle drug networks and ensure that those who continue to peddle illegal substances are brought before the bar of justice. We urge the public to continue cooperating with the police by reporting suspicious activities in their communities,” Abrahano said.
Police officials emphasized that the latest arrest reflects the intensified campaign of law enforcement agencies against illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao, as authorities continue to pursue high-value targets and repeat offenders in a bid to curb the proliferation of narcotics in the region.