CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Authorities arrested a suspected drug peddler and confiscated approximately ₱680,000 worth of suspected shabu during a joint anti-drug operation conducted in Barangay Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, on Wednesday afternoon, June 17, 2026.
Personnel of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 10 (RPDEU 10), in coordination with other law enforcement units, carried out a successful buy-bust operation at around 2:59 p.m. in Piaping Puti, Barangay Macabalan, leading to the arrest of a 34-year-old suspect identified only by his alias, “Bugoy.”
Police said the suspect is single and resides in the same area where the operation was conducted.
Investigators disclosed that alias “Bugoy” was not a first-time offender. Police records showed that he had previously been apprehended in Butuan City in 2020 for a similar drug-related offense. Despite his earlier arrest, authorities alleged that he continued his illegal activities and expanded his operations within Cagayan de Oro City.
According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly arranged drug transactions through meet-up schemes with buyers. Authorities also revealed that regular customers reportedly went directly to his residence to purchase illegal drugs. His alleged area of operation reportedly covered the entire city, making him a significant target in the region’s ongoing anti-illegal drug campaign.
Recovered from the suspect during the operation were 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of varying sizes containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 100 grams and carried an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱680,000.
In addition to the suspected illegal drugs, operatives also seized a marked ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money and several pieces of drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in the suspect’s illegal drug activities.
The arrested suspect was immediately taken into custody and is currently detained at the Maharlika Custodial Facility pending the filing of criminal charges.
Meanwhile, the confiscated substances will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit-10 for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examinations to confirm their composition and exact weight.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These provisions penalize the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
Police Regional Office 10 Director, Christopher N. Abrahano, commended the operating teams for the successful operation and reiterated the police force’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao.
“I commend RPDEU 10 and the participating units for a job well done. PRO10 will never let up in its fight against illegal drugs. We encourage the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting illegal activities in their communities,” Abrahano said.
The official emphasized that public cooperation remains a vital component in the government’s anti-drug campaign, noting that community vigilance can significantly help authorities identify and dismantle illegal drug networks.
The arrest forms part of the intensified anti-illegal drug operations being conducted by Police Regional Office 10 across Northern Mindanao. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain alert and work closely with law enforcement agencies in preserving peace, order, and public safety within their communities.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s possible links to larger drug distribution networks operating in the region.