VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Two alleged drug personalities were arrested and approximately 121 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱822,800 were seized during a buy-bust operation in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on September 22, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 6:51 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion by personnel of the Valencia City Police Station, in coordination with other operating units, as part of intensified police efforts against the illegal drug trade in the province.
Arrested were alias “Ric Ric,” 39, a construction worker identified by police as a high-value individual (HVI), and alias “Zai,” 30, an auto mechanic classified as a street-level individual (SLI). Both suspects are residents of Barangay Poblacion.
Police said the operation was initiated through a controlled purchase, during which the suspects allegedly sold one sachet containing approximately one gram of suspected shabu to an undercover police officer. The sachet served as the buy-bust item and was recovered by authorities following the arrests.
A search conducted during the operation reportedly resulted in the recovery of additional suspected illegal drugs. These included a knot-tied transparent cellophane containing approximately 110 grams of suspected shabu and two large heat-sealed sachets containing about 10 grams of suspected shabu.
The total quantity of suspected shabu recovered was placed at approximately 121 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱822,800, according to police.
Authorities also recovered a sling bag, a cellphone, and the ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money.
The two suspects were brought into police custody for documentation and further legal proceedings.
Police said Ric Ric and Zai will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation highlights the continuing anti-drug campaign of the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) in Northern Mindanao, particularly against individuals identified by authorities as being involved in the distribution of illegal drugs at different levels.
PRO 10 Regional Director PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr. reiterated the police force’s commitment to intensifying operations against illegal drugs and firearms while maintaining public safety and enforcing the law.
“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang operasyon laban sa iligal na droga at mga armas. Simple lang ang ating layunin—mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga komunidad at maipatupad ang batas nang maayos,” Babagay said.
The seized substances will undergo the required examination and documentation, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the filing and disposition of the appropriate charges.
Authorities emphasized that the allegations against the two suspects remain subject to the legal process and that their guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined by the proper court.