PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte – Authorities successfully arrested a high-value drug suspect and confiscated hundreds of thousands of pesos worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Consolacion, Panabo City on the evening of June 22, 2026.
The operation, led by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office XI through its Davao del Norte Provincial Office, was carried out in coordination with the Panabo City Police Station and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at around 8:53 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Consolacion.
Arrested during the operation was a 48-year-old high-value individual identified only by the alias “Ure.” Authorities said the suspect was apprehended after allegedly selling a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu worth ₱7,000 to a PDEA operative acting as a poseur-buyer.
Following the arrest, law enforcement officers conducted further searches that led to the recovery of 14 additional heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. The confiscated illegal drugs had an estimated total weight of 54 grams and a street value of approximately ₱367,200.
Aside from the suspected shabu, authorities also seized assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities, as well as the marked buy-bust money utilized during the operation.
PDEA officials said the successful operation underscores the government’s continuing efforts to dismantle illegal drug networks and prevent the proliferation of dangerous drugs in communities across the region.
The arrest of a high-value target is considered a significant accomplishment in the ongoing anti-illegal drugs campaign, as authorities continue to focus on individuals believed to be involved in the distribution and sale of prohibited substances.
The suspect is currently under the custody of authorities while the confiscated pieces of evidence undergo proper documentation and laboratory examination.
Authorities confirmed that appropriate charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, will be filed against the suspect.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations and urged the public to continue cooperating with authorities by reporting illegal drug activities in their communities.
The latest operation highlights the continuing collaboration among PDEA, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard in combating the illegal drug trade and maintaining peace and order in Davao del Norte and neighboring areas.