A massive anti-drug operation in Lupon on Tuesday led to the arrest of two alleged high-value illegal drug personalities and the seizure of suspected shabu worth an estimated P1.5 million, authorities said.
According to the Police Regional Office 11, the suspects were apprehended during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Poblacion on June 2 as part of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region.
Operatives reportedly recovered several sachets of suspected shabu from the arrested individuals, with the confiscated illegal drugs estimated to have a street value of P1.5 million. Authorities have yet to release the identities of the suspects pending the filing of formal charges.
Police said the operation was carefully planned following surveillance and intelligence monitoring on the alleged illegal drug activities of the suspects, who were tagged as high-value individuals involved in the local drug trade.
The successful operation highlights the continuing crackdown of law enforcement agencies against narcotics syndicates operating in parts of Davao Oriental, amid growing concerns over the spread of illegal drugs in communities.
Authorities are now conducting further investigation to determine the possible links of the arrested suspects to larger drug networks operating in the region. Additional operations may also follow as investigators trace the source and distribution channels of the confiscated narcotics.
The suspects are expected to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, while the seized evidence has been turned over for proper documentation and laboratory examination.
Police officials reiterated their call for public cooperation, urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities related to illegal drugs as authorities strengthen efforts to dismantle the narcotics trade in the region.