CARMEN, Davao del Norte — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested four individuals, including its alleged maintainer and a worker, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ising, Carmen, Davao del Norte, on September 25.
The operation was conducted at around 11:52 a.m. in Purok 6, Barangay Ising, by the Davao del Norte Provincial Office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 11 (PDEA RO11), in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao and the Carmen Municipal Police Station.
The primary target, identified by the alias “Embon,” 32, was arrested after allegedly selling one sachet of suspected shabu to a PDEA poseur-buyer for ₱7,000, triggering his arrest during the entrapment operation.
Also arrested was an alleged drug den worker identified as “Rik-Rik,” along with two individuals identified as suspected visitors of the establishment, known by the aliases “Chow-Chow” and “Pogoy.”
Authorities recovered seven sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 17 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱115,000. Assorted drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money used in the operation were also seized.
The operation targeted an alleged drug den, a location reportedly used for illegal drug-related activities. The arrests and confiscation of suspected illegal drugs are part of the continuing law enforcement campaign against the distribution and use of dangerous drugs in the Davao Region.
PDEA RO11 Regional Director Atty. Benjamin G. Gaspi reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying its anti-illegal drugs campaign in coordination with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement partners.
Gaspi said the continuing cooperation among agencies is aimed at protecting communities across the region from the threats associated with illegal drugs.
The four arrested individuals are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding the suspects’ identities and the subsequent legal proceedings.