Authorities successfully dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested three alleged drug personalities during a joint anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Barangay San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur on Thursday afternoon, May 21.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 Agusan del Sur Provincial Office (PDEA RO 13 ADSPO), together with personnel from the Bunawan Municipal Police Station, carried out the buy-bust operation at around 3:20 p.m. in Purok 4, resulting in the arrest of three male suspects believed to be involved in illegal drug activities.
Seized during the operation were suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of Php34,000, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the marked buy-bust money used by undercover operatives.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as a 46-year-old alleged drug den maintainer, a 47-year-old alleged drug den visitor, and a 46-year-old alleged drug den employee. All three are single and residents of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
The suspects are now facing charges for violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 under Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended. The charges include the sale and possession of illegal drugs, maintenance of a drug den, visiting a drug den, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
PDEA Regional Director Laurefel P. Gabales lauded the coordinated efforts of the operating units and emphasized the importance of strong community participation in sustaining anti-drug campaigns across the region.
“This accomplishment reflects the strong collaboration among our law enforcement agencies, the steadfast support of our local government units, and the active participation of the people in protecting their communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” Gabales said.
“The success of our anti-drug campaign depends not only on law enforcement action but also on the vigilance and cooperation of every sector of society,” he added.
Gabales also appealed to individuals still involved in illegal drug activities to voluntarily surrender and avail themselves of the government’s rehabilitation and reformation programs.
“We urge those who remain entangled in illegal drug activities to choose a different path while there is still time. Surrender now and avail yourselves of the government’s drug rehabilitation and reformation programs so you can rebuild your lives and become productive members of society once again,” he said.
PDEA Regional Office 13 reiterated its commitment to intensify anti-drug operations throughout the Caraga Region while strengthening partnerships with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and communities in pursuit of a safer and drug-free society.