CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A coordinated anti-illegal drug operation by law enforcement agencies in Northern Mindanao resulted in the arrest of a High-Value Individual (HVI) and the confiscation of approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱2.04 million during an early morning buy-bust operation in Barangay Iponan on July 18.
The operation was carried out at around 1:35 a.m. in Bulao, Barangay Iponan, by personnel of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 10 (RPDEU-10) in collaboration with the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Unit 10 (RAIDU-10), Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU-10), Philippine Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 10 (PDEG SOU-10), COCPO City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), and Police Station 7, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 10 (PDEA-10).
Authorities identified the suspect only by the alias “AJ,” a 32-year-old self-employed resident of Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, who is reportedly living with his partner. Police classified the suspect as a High-Value Individual, indicating his alleged significant role in the local illegal drug trade.
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered ten heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱2,040,000.
Also seized were a Yamaha Mio Sporty motorcycle, believed to have been used by the suspect, and the marked ₱1,000 bill utilized as buy-bust money during the operation.
Investigation Ongoing
Initial police investigation suggests that alias “AJ” had allegedly been involved in the distribution of illegal drugs within Cagayan de Oro City. Investigators are now expanding the probe to determine the full extent of his alleged drug operations and identify possible accomplices or members of a larger drug network.
The suspect is currently detained at the Maharlika Custodial Facility while authorities prepare criminal charges for violations of 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.
Meanwhile, the confiscated suspected shabu has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 (RFU-10) for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examinations, which will serve as part of the evidence in court proceedings.
PRO10 Reaffirms Anti-Drug Campaign
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), lauded the operating units for the successful intelligence-driven operation, emphasizing that it dealt another major setback to illegal drug syndicates operating in Northern Mindanao.
“This operation delivers another significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Northern Mindanao by preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities. PRO10 will continue strengthening intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with our partner agencies to pursue those involved in the illegal drug trade and ensure a safer, drug-free region,” Abrahano said.
The regional police chief reiterated PRO10’s commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-drug operations through strengthened inter-agency coordination and intelligence gathering aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks across the region.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
PRO10 likewise called on the public to remain vigilant and actively support the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign by reporting suspicious drug-related activities to the nearest police station or through other authorized law enforcement channels.
Police officials stressed that community cooperation remains a critical component in preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensuring safer communities throughout Northern Mindanao.
The latest operation underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to disrupt the supply chain of illegal drugs, target high-value personalities, and protect communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.