CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Two individuals, reportedly a couple, were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation after a Facebook Live video they posted allegedly revealed illegal drugs on camera, prompting authorities to launch an immediate operation in Barangay Macasandig.
The suspects were apprehended in Lower Tambo, Barangay Macasandig, following a joint anti-illegal drugs operation conducted by personnel from Police Station 9 (Macasandig) of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) and operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Region 10 (PDEA-10).
According to police reports, the operation was carried out under the supervision of Police Major Romel Ejem, station commander of Police Station 9.
Authorities said the suspects drew the attention of law enforcement after their Facebook Live broadcast went viral online, where a packet containing a substance believed to be shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) allegedly fell within view of the camera during the video.
Police said the footage raised suspicion among authorities, prompting them to coordinate and immediately organize a buy-bust operation targeting the individuals.
During the operation, law enforcement officers were able to confiscate suspected illegal drugs valued at approximately ₱40,800.
Seized from the suspects were the following pieces of evidence:
- One medium-sized heat-sealed transparent sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, which was used as the buy-bust item
- Five elongated heat-sealed sachets containing the same suspected illegal substance
- One sky-blue Redmi Android cellphone
- One gray sling bag
- One brown rectangular wallet
- One genuine ₱500 bill used as buy-bust money
- Four pieces of ₱1,000 boodle money
The arrested individuals, who are both residents of Cagayan de Oro City, are currently under police custody while proper documentation and case preparation are ongoing.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects pending the filing of formal charges.
Police said the suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their warning against illegal drug activities and emphasized that social media content can sometimes become a source of evidence in criminal investigations.
The case remains under further investigation as authorities continue to determine the extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.