CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Police arrested a 50-year-old man identified only by the alias “Tado,” described by authorities as a high-value individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade, during a buy-bust operation in Tibasak, Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, on Thursday morning, September 17.
The operation was conducted at around 10:30 a.m. by personnel of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), in coordination with the City Mobile Force Company and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 10 (PDEA-10).
According to police, the operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 62 grams of suspected shabu, with a reported standard drug price of ₱421,600.
Authorities also recovered the alleged buy-bust money, a mobile phone, and a red pouch believed to be in the possession of the suspect during the operation.
Police said “Tado,” who is reportedly a resident of the area, was taken into custody following the operation and is currently under the supervision of the CDEU-COCPO.
The confiscated substance is expected to undergo the required examination and documentation as part of the investigation and evidence-handling process.
Authorities said appropriate criminal charges will be filed against the suspect in accordance with law. The allegations against him, however, remain subject to the investigation and the proceedings before the proper authorities and courts.
PRO10 Regional Director PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr. urged residents to continue working with law enforcement agencies by providing information on suspected illegal drug activities in their communities.
Babagay emphasized the importance of public cooperation in helping authorities identify and address illegal drug activities and maintain peace and safety in communities across Northern Mindanao.
The latest operation adds to the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign of law enforcement agencies in Cagayan de Oro, where police and drug enforcement authorities continue to conduct intelligence-driven operations against individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Authorities reminded the public that information regarding suspected illegal drug activities may be reported to law enforcement agencies through appropriate channels, while stressing the importance of responsible reporting and verification of information.