A major anti-illegal drug operation in the Caraga Region led to the dismantling of a suspected drug den and the arrest of four alleged high-value drug personalities during a joint buy-bust operation conducted on May 15, 2026, in Barangay Jubang, Dapa, Surigao del Norte.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only through their aliases “Jestoni,” “Heña,” “Junior,” and “Ronald,” all of whom were reportedly under monitoring for their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities in the province.
The operation was jointly carried out by operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), ASIU Siargao, SIU-Surigao, ADNPO, SIU-Nasipit, Legal and Prosecution Unit (LPU), and the Dapa Municipal Police Station.
During the operation, law enforcement agents confiscated around eight grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of Php54,400. Authorities also recovered several pieces of drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money used during the operation.
Investigators said the successful operation not only resulted in the arrest of the suspects but also effectively dismantled a drug den believed to have been used for illegal drug transactions and activities in the area.
The four arrested individuals are set to face charges for violation of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The charges include the sale, maintenance of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs and paraphernalia, and use of illegal drugs.
Laurefel P. Gabales, Regional Director of PDEA RO 13, lauded the operating teams for the successful conduct of the operation, stressing that intensified and coordinated anti-drug efforts continue to produce significant gains in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs in the region.
Gabales emphasized that the accomplishment reflects the strengthened collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the public in combating the illegal drug trade.
“This accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of our strengthened inter-agency coordination and demonstrates that the continued support of the people plays an important role in our campaign against illegal drugs in the Caraga Region. Likewise, the unwavering cooperation of our local government units greatly contributes to the success of our anti-drug initiatives as we sustain our efforts toward a safer and drug-free community,” Gabales said.
PDEA Caraga assured the public that intelligence-driven anti-drug operations across the region will continue relentlessly as authorities intensify efforts to eradicate illegal drug activities and maintain peace and order in communities throughout Caraga.