STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur — A joint anti-illegal drug operation by law enforcement authorities resulted in the arrest of a Top Priority Illegal Drug Personality (TPIDP) and the confiscation of suspected shabu worth PhP2.856 million, marking another significant accomplishment in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the Davao Region.
The operation was carried out on the evening of July 4, 2026, by personnel of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 11 (RPDEU 11) in coordination with the Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao del Sur.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by the alias “Bogs,” who is classified as a High Value Individual (HVI) and a Top Priority Illegal Drug Personality under TIP Control Number A-2026-75-PRO11-RPDEU-Sta. Cruz MPS.
The anti-drug operation was conducted under PDEA Coordination and Control Number 12-00-07042026-017, ensuring compliance with established operational procedures between the Philippine National Police and the country’s lead anti-drug enforcement agency.
During the operation, operatives recovered several sachets containing suspected shabu, along with a larger cellophane pack believed to contain the same illegal substance. Also seized were various drug paraphernalia and other non-drug-related items that may serve as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Police estimated the confiscated illegal drugs to have a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of PhP2,856,000.00, representing a substantial disruption to the local illegal drug supply chain.
Authorities emphasized that all recovered evidence was properly marked, photographed, and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the arrested suspect and the required insulating witnesses, in strict adherence to Section 21 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which governs the custody and handling of seized illegal drugs to preserve their evidentiary value.
The suspect, together with the confiscated evidence, is now under the custody of the Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station while charges are being prepared for violations of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) of Republic Act No. 9165.
Police said the successful operation underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to target high-value drug personalities believed to be involved in the distribution of illegal drugs within the region.
Police Regional Office 11 Regional Director PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete lauded the operating units for the successful operation, describing it as another major step toward dismantling illegal drug networks operating in Davao Region.
“This successful operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of PRO 11 to rid our communities of illegal drugs. Every high-value drug personality removed from the streets means safer neighborhoods and a stronger future for every Dabawenyo. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen our collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies to ensure that those engaged in the illegal drug trade are held accountable,” Rosete said.
The latest accomplishment forms part of the Philippine National Police’s sustained anti-illegal drug campaign, which continues to focus on intelligence-driven operations against high-value targets while strengthening coordination with PDEA and other law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs across the Davao Region.