TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur — A joint law enforcement operation early Saturday morning resulted in the arrest of a suspected high-value drug target and the seizure of approximately 140 grams of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm in Tandag City.
The operation was carried out at around 1:30 a.m. on August 8, 2026, in Purok Madasigon, Barangay Quezon, Tandag City, as authorities served a search warrant under OPLAN “Thunder Strike Alfa.”
The operation involved personnel from the Tandag City Police Station City Community Police Station (CCPS) Drug Enforcement Unit, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Surigao del Sur, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Caraga, and the PNP Regional Intelligence Unit 13 (RIU13).
The subject of the operation, identified by authorities only as Alias Delta, was reportedly classified as a high-value target (HVT) in Tandag City due to alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
Nearly ₱1 million worth of suspected shabu seized
During the implementation of the search warrant, law enforcement personnel reportedly recovered approximately 140 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities placed the estimated street value of the seized suspected illegal drugs at approximately ₱950,000.
Also recovered during the operation were drug paraphernalia and one .22-caliber pistol, adding a firearms-related violation to the allegations being investigated against the suspect.
The search warrant was reportedly issued in connection with alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities said the confiscated items were inventoried and marked at the scene in the presence of witnesses, as part of procedures intended to preserve the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized materials.
The arrest represents another significant development in the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign of law enforcement authorities in Tandag City, particularly against individuals identified as high-value targets.
Authorities warn drug personalities
The Tandag CCPS said the operation demonstrates the continuing commitment of local and national law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs and other criminal activities in the city.
Police also emphasized that the operation is part of broader efforts to strengthen public safety and restore community confidence in law enforcement.
The seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected shabu, coupled with the recovery of a firearm, underscores the potential convergence of illegal drug activities and unauthorized possession of firearms—issues that authorities continue to address through coordinated intelligence and enforcement operations.
The police warned individuals involved in the illegal drug trade that law enforcement operations will continue and that those found violating the law may face criminal prosecution.
The arrested suspect and the seized items are expected to undergo the appropriate legal and investigative processes. The suspected shabu will likewise be subjected to laboratory examination to determine its actual composition, while the firearm will be examined and processed as evidence in the corresponding investigation.
Authorities stressed that the allegations remain subject to the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings.