TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Intensified anti-illegal drug operations by the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) led to the arrest of a top-priority drug suspect and the confiscation of over ₱200,000 worth of suspected shabu in a series of coordinated operations conducted on April 1, 2026, in Tagum City and Panabo City.
The biggest breakthrough was recorded at around 9:53 p.m. in Purok 7, Barangay Magdum, Tagum City, where authorities arrested a high-value target identified only as alias “Edric” during a joint buy-bust operation.
The operation was carried out by elements of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit/Regional Special Operations Group 11 (RPDEU/RSOG 11), in coordination with the Tagum City Police Station and the 1st Davao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (DNPMFC), under the authority of a valid pre-operation clearance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Seized from the suspect were approximately 30 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱204,000. Also recovered were marked money, boodle money, a cellular phone, a sling bag, and a Toyota Vios believed to have been used in the illegal drug trade.
Earlier that day, at about 5:55 a.m., another anti-drug operation was conducted in Barangay Cuambogan, Tagum City, through the implementation of a search warrant. The joint operatives from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Tagum City Police Station, and DNPPO SWAT arrested a suspect identified as alias “Maitong.”
Authorities confiscated around 5 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱34,000 during the operation.
Meanwhile, in Panabo City, a separate buy-bust operation at around 8:47 p.m. led to the arrest of another suspect known as alias “Dondon.” The operation, conducted by the Panabo City Police Station and the 2nd DNPMFC, resulted in the seizure of approximately 5.1472 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱35,000.96, along with marked money used in the transaction.
All arrested individuals are now under police custody, while the confiscated drug evidence has been properly documented and secured for laboratory examination and legal disposition.
DNPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Glenn G. Cristines commended the operating units for their coordinated efforts and professionalism, highlighting the significance of the operations in the province’s anti-drug campaign.
“The successful arrest of a top priority drug personality and the confiscation of a substantial amount of illegal drugs in Tagum City clearly demonstrate our intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks in Davao del Norte,” Cristines said.
He emphasized that police operations remain relentless even during the observance of Holy Week, sending a strong message that law enforcement will continue to pursue high-value targets without pause.
Cristines also called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperative by reporting illegal activities, assuring that the DNPPO remains committed to maintaining peace and order and ensuring the safety and security of communities across the province.