BUTUAN CITY — A suspected high-value drug personality was arrested while more than ₱3.4 million worth of suspected shabu was confiscated during a joint anti-drug operation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Butuan City over the weekend.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13 announced that the suspect was apprehended during a buy-bust operation carried out at around 10:38 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Purok Liloan, Barangay Agusan Pequeño.
The operation was jointly undertaken by operatives from PDEA Regional Office 13 ADNPO, DIPO, SIU-Nasipit, AIU-Butuan, LPU, and personnel of the Butuan City Police Station 2, highlighting the continuing inter-agency effort to dismantle illegal drug operations in the Caraga Region.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect as a 41-year-old unemployed and single male resident of Barangay Bading, Butuan City, who had been listed as a High-Value Target (HVT) in the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
The suspect sustained injuries during the operation and was immediately placed under medical care while remaining under police custody.
Recovered from the suspect were approximately 505 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug value of ₱3,434,000, along with the marked buy-bust money used by undercover operatives during the transaction.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Sustained Campaign Against Illegal Drugs
PDEA said the successful operation underscores the effectiveness of strengthened cooperation among anti-drug agencies in disrupting illegal drug networks operating in the region.
The agency also emphasized that the continued support of local government units and communities has been instrumental in intelligence gathering and law enforcement efforts aimed at preventing the spread of dangerous drugs.
PDEA Regional Office 13 Regional Director Dir. III Laurefel P. Gabales, Ph.D., DPA, commended the operating teams for their professionalism, courage, and seamless coordination that led to the successful arrest of the suspect and the seizure of a substantial volume of illegal drugs.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the strong partnership among our law enforcement agencies and the invaluable support of our local government units and the community,” Gabales said.
“Through our collective efforts, we continue to deny drug syndicates the opportunity to victimize our people and destroy families.”
Gabales likewise expressed gratitude that the operation concluded with all members of the operating teams safely accounted for, stressing that the safety of law enforcers, suspects, and civilians remains a priority during every anti-drug operation.
“Our operatives are trained to perform their duties with professionalism and restraint, always giving paramount importance to the preservation of life while enforcing the law,” he said.
“We are grateful that all members of the operating teams are safe, and we continue to uphold lawful procedures in every operation.”
Appeal for Rehabilitation
The PDEA official also appealed to individuals still engaged in the illegal drug trade to abandon their activities and take advantage of government rehabilitation programs.
“We encourage those who are still engaged in illegal drug activities to surrender, choose a new path, and avail themselves of the government’s community-based drug rehabilitation and reformation programs available in their respective localities,” Gabales said.
“It is never too late to change, and the government remains ready to help those who sincerely seek recovery and reintegration into society.”
PDEA Regional Office 13 reaffirmed its commitment to intensify intelligence-driven and inter-agency anti-drug operations across the Caraga Region in partnership with law enforcement agencies, local government units, and communities as part of the government’s continuing effort to build a safer, drug-resistant, and more secure society.