STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur — A joint anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 11 and police units resulted in the dismantling of an alleged drug den and the arrest of six high-value targets (HVTs) on the night of March 18, 2026, in Sitio Patulangon, Barangay Zone 1.
Operatives from the PDEA Davao del Sur Provincial Office, in coordination with the 1104th Regional Mobile Force Battalion, carried out the operation at around 8:01 p.m., targeting a suspected drug den reportedly operating in the area.
The primary target, identified only as “alias Kol,” 54, alleged to be the maintainer of the drug den, was apprehended after selling a sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, to an undercover operative. The substance weighed approximately one gram and had an estimated street value of ₱7,000.
Also arrested during the operation were “alias Jas,” believed to be an employee of the drug den, and four alleged visitors identified as “alias Lang-lang,” “alias Mike,” “alias Moc-moc,” and “alias Renz.”
Authorities seized a total of approximately 21.2 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱144,160. This included two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing around 20 grams of the illegal substance valued at ₱140,000, as well as the sachet sold during the buy-bust operation.
In addition to the illegal drugs, operatives recovered non-drug evidence such as marked buy-bust money, three improvised glass tooters with suspected drug residue, and various paraphernalia believed to have been used in the illegal drug activities.
The suspects are facing multiple charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These include violations related to the operation of a drug den, sale and possession of illegal drugs, and other related offenses under Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, and 26 of Article II.
Authorities emphasized that the successful operation underscores intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks at the community level. Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals who may be involved in the illegal operation and to determine the extent of the drug network’s reach in the area.
PDEA officials reiterated their call for public cooperation, urging communities to report suspicious activities as part of the broader campaign against illegal drugs.