CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two suspected drug personalities, believed to be husband and wife and allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade while temporarily staying in the city, were arrested by authorities during a joint anti-illegal drugs operation that led to the confiscation of nearly ₱748,000 worth of suspected shabu.
The buy-bust operation was conducted at around 4:54 p.m. on August 4, 2026, in San Isidro Labrador, Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, by operatives of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 10 (PNP DEG SOU 10) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 10 (PDEA-10) and other law enforcement units.
Arrested were alias “Urak,” 22, an identified High-Value Individual (HVI) from Lumbatan, Lanao del Sur, and alias “Farah,” 21, a resident of Marawi City.
According to authorities, the two suspects are reportedly husband and wife and are not permanent residents of Cagayan de Oro City. Investigators disclosed that they had temporarily stayed with relatives in the city after coming from Marawi City.
Police said the pair allegedly earned a living by selling ready-to-wear (RTW) clothing at a public market while reportedly engaging in the illegal drug trade on the side.
Initial intelligence information further revealed that the suspected shabu being distributed by the suspects allegedly originated from Marawi City, with their reported customers including drivers and other individuals operating in the area.
Authorities added that both suspects are considered first-time offenders based on available records.
Seized during the operation were four heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of approximately 110 grams and an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱748,000.
Also recovered were a cellular phone, a driver’s license, a navy-blue sling bag, and the buy-bust money amounting to ₱14,000.
The arrested suspects are currently under the custody of PNP DEG SOU 10 for documentation and appropriate legal procedures before being transferred to the Maharlika Detention Facility for temporary detention.
Meanwhile, the confiscated suspected illegal drugs will be turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 for laboratory examination as part of the case build-up and evidence processing.
The suspects are expected to face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Regional Office-10 Regional Director PBGen. Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating teams for the successful operation, emphasizing the continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies in combating illegal drugs across Northern Mindanao.
“Ang operasyon na ito ay patunay ng ating proactive at intelligence-driven approach, kasama ang PDEA at iba pang law enforcement agencies. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating kampanya laban sa illegal drugs upang mapanatiling ligtas at payapa ang ating mga komunidad sa Region 10,” Abrahano said.
Authorities reiterated that sustained intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination remain essential in dismantling illegal drug networks and preventing the proliferation of dangerous drugs in communities throughout Region 10.