TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Seven individuals, including the alleged target of a drug enforcement operation, were arrested after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 11 (PDEA RO11), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), dismantled an alleged drug den during a buy-bust operation in Tagum City on August 8, 2026.
The operation was conducted in Purok Bougainvilla, Barangay Magugpo North, following an intelligence-driven investigation into suspected illegal drug activities in the area.
Among those arrested was the primary target identified only by the alias “Jay-ar.” Authorities said the operation led to the recovery of 15 sachets containing suspected shabu, with a combined estimated weight of approximately 26 grams.
The seized suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, was valued at around ₱182,000 based on the estimated standard drug price.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, law enforcement personnel also recovered drug paraphernalia and marked money used during the operation as evidence.
The successful operation effectively dismantled what authorities described as an alleged drug den, preventing the continued use of the location as a venue for the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
The seven arrested suspects were taken into custody and are expected to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
Authorities will present the seized items as evidence in the filing and prosecution of the case, while further investigation is expected to determine the individual roles of those arrested and the extent of the alleged drug operation.
PDEA RO11 reiterated its commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs across the Davao Region, particularly operations targeting drug dens and other locations allegedly being used for the distribution and consumption of prohibited substances.
The agency also emphasized the importance of sustained coordination among law enforcement agencies in disrupting the local illegal drug trade and preventing drug-related activities from taking root in communities.
The August 8 operation underscores the continuing enforcement efforts of authorities in Davao del Norte and the wider Davao Region against the proliferation of illegal drugs.