CARAGA, Davao Oriental — A 48-year-old woman identified by police only through the alias “Madam” was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Santiago, Caraga, Davao Oriental, resulting in the seizure of an estimated 70 grams of suspected shabu with a reported standard drug price of ₱476,000.
The operation was conducted at around 5 p.m. on August 4, 2026, by personnel of the Caraga Municipal Police Station as part of continuing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the municipality.
According to the police report, the arrested suspect is a 48-year-old married woman and a resident of Barangay 21-C, Piapi Boulevard in Davao City. Police identified her as Tausug and withheld her full name, referring to her by the alias “Madam.”
Authorities said the operation led to the recovery of a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The sachet was marked as “NSB” and identified as the alleged buy-bust item.
Police also recovered two genuine ₱1,000 bills bearing serial numbers TL308815 and AK4594409, which were marked as buy-bust money. In addition, authorities confiscated 43 pieces of ₱1,000 boodle money, used as part of the operation.
The police estimated the total weight of the suspected illegal drug at approximately 70 grams, with a corresponding standard drug price of ₱476,000.
The arrest was carried out in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Following the operation, police said the seized items were immediately tagged, marked and inventoried at the place of apprehension in accordance with evidence-handling procedures. The inventory was conducted in the presence of the arrested suspect and witnesses, including Barangay Kagawad Narciso Palmera Moring of Barangay Santiago and Sherwina M. Anquiles of RSO FM Caraga, Davao Oriental, according to the police report.
The arrested woman, along with the confiscated drug and non-drug evidence, was subsequently brought to the Caraga Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and the necessary legal proceedings.
Authorities also said the entire operation was documented through audio-video recording using an Alternative Recording Device, while the confiscated evidence was secured at the police station for appropriate processing and disposition.
The arrest underscores the continuing police campaign against the distribution of illegal drugs in Davao Oriental, particularly operations targeting individuals allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of dangerous drugs.
Police said further documentation and a more comprehensive written report would follow as the case proceeds.
The suspect is expected to face appropriate charges under RA 9165, subject to the evaluation of prosecutors and the applicable judicial process.
As with all drug-related arrests, the allegations against the suspect remain subject to court proceedings, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.