CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Two men, including an individual identified by police as a high-value drug target, were arrested after authorities allegedly seized around 160 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱1.088 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Gusa here on September 14.
Police identified the suspects by their aliases “Allen,” 28, who was classified as a High Value Individual (HVI), and “Prettyboy,” 34.
The operation was conducted at around 10:20 p.m. in Purok 4A, Gusa, as part of continuing anti-illegal drug operations in Cagayan de Oro City.
The operation was led by Team 2 of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU), with support from other anti-drug units of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), the Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 10 (PDEG SOU 10), and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU 10).
Aside from the suspected shabu, authorities also recovered the buy-bust money and other pieces of evidence reportedly connected to the operation.
Police said the seized substance will undergo examination to determine its identity and confirm whether it is methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspects for alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Section 5 covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery or distribution of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals.
The two suspects are currently under the custody of the Maharlika Custodial Facility while authorities proceed with the necessary investigation and documentation.
The operation highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Northern Mindanao to disrupt the distribution of illegal drugs, particularly through operations targeting individuals considered significant players in the local drug trade.
Police Regional Office 10 Regional Director PBGen Nestor Babagay Jr. urged residents to remain vigilant and continue working with law enforcement authorities by reporting suspicious activities that may be connected to illegal drugs.
Babagay emphasized the importance of community cooperation in preventing illegal drug activities and helping authorities maintain peace and security in communities across the region.
Authorities reminded the public that information on suspected illegal drug activities may be reported to the police through established channels, with reports handled in accordance with law and operational protocols.