CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 25-year-old man was arrested after authorities seized approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱1.36 million, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camaman-an early Saturday morning, September 19.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Plong Plong,” was reportedly among the targets of the anti-drug operation conducted by law enforcement authorities.
The operation was carried out at around 1:55 a.m. along Dongallo Sr. Street in Barangay Camaman-an, with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) Team 1 serving as the lead unit.
The operation was conducted with the assistance of personnel from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Regional Augmentation (RA), Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID 10), COCPO-City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 10 (PDEG-SOU 10), Police Station 2-Cogon, and Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU 10).
Nine sachets recovered
Police said they recovered nine sachets containing suspected shabu, including one sachet allegedly used as the buy-bust item.
The seized substance had an estimated combined weight of 200 grams, based on a weighing scale that had not yet undergone calibration. Authorities placed its estimated value at ₱1.36 million, based on the standard drug price.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, operatives also recovered the buy-bust money, a brown paper bag, and a black coin purse, which were reportedly found in connection with the operation.
The arrest forms part of continuing police efforts to disrupt the distribution of illegal drugs in Cagayan de Oro and prevent suspected drug supplies from reaching communities.
Suspect placed under custody
Following the operation, “Plong Plong” was placed under the custody of the Maharlika Custodial Facility while authorities proceed with the appropriate legal and investigative processes.
The seized suspected illegal drugs will be submitted to Regional Forensic Unit 10 (RFU 10) for qualitative and quantitative examination.
The laboratory examination is expected to establish the actual composition of the seized substance and determine its precise weight. The initial figure of approximately 200 grams remains based on the uncalibrated weighing conducted during the operation.
Police intensify anti-drug campaign
PRO10 Regional Director PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr. emphasized the continued intensification of police operations against illegal drugs in Northern Mindanao.
Babagay also called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
Police said information from residents can help authorities identify suspected drug activities and support operations aimed at preventing illegal drugs from circulating in local communities.
The arrested suspect will face the appropriate charges based on the results of the investigation and the forensic examination of the seized substance.