MAGSAYSAY, Misamis Oriental – Authorities arrested two alleged High Value Individuals (HVIs) and confiscated more than ₱13.6 million worth of suspected shabu during a successful anti-drug operation conducted in Barangay Cabantian, Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental on Sunday, June 7.
The suspects were identified as alias “Kulot,” 37, a driver and resident of Ozamiz City, and Joseph, 38, a resident of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
The operation was spearheaded by the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 10 (PNP-DEG SOU 10) in coordination with other law enforcement agencies and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 10 (PDEA-10).
According to authorities, the two suspects were arrested after they allegedly sold illegal drugs to an undercover operative during a buy-bust operation conducted in Purok Santan, Barangay Cabantian.
Seized from the suspects were more than two kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of approximately ₱13.6 million. Also recovered during the operation were the marked buy-bust money, a vehicle believed to have been used in the illegal drug transaction, cellular phones, and other pieces of non-drug evidence that may be used in the filing of criminal charges.
The confiscation of such a substantial quantity of illegal drugs is considered a significant accomplishment in the government’s continuing campaign against narcotics, preventing the distribution of dangerous substances that could have reached communities across Northern Mindanao and neighboring regions.
The arrested individuals are currently under the custody of PNP-DEG SOU 10 while authorities prepare the filing of appropriate charges against them for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, the recovered suspected shabu will be subjected to laboratory examination to verify its composition and evidentiary value.
Police officials emphasized that the operation reflects the strengthened collaboration among law enforcement agencies in combating illegal drugs and dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in the region.
The Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10), under the leadership of Regional Director PBGen Christopher N. Abrahano, reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations as part of its broader mission to maintain peace, public safety, and order throughout Northern Mindanao.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting anti-drug efforts by reporting suspicious activities in their communities, stressing that community participation remains vital in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality.