BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — Police arrested a suspected high-value individual (HVI) and confiscated 21.62 grams of suspected shabu worth approximately ₱147,016 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bonbon, Butuan City, on Friday, October 9.
In a report dated October 10, the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) identified the arrested suspect as alias “Winwin,” 44, a resident of Purok 2A, Barangay Bonbon, where the anti-drug operation was conducted.
PRO 13 Director Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon confirmed the arrest, describing the operation as part of the police force’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs in the Caraga Region.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Regional Intelligence Division 13, Butuan City Police Office, and Butuan City Police Station 3, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 (PDEA RO 13).
During the operation, authorities recovered several sealed and unsealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, along with marked money used in the operation. The seized substance was estimated to have a total street value of ₱147,016.
The arrest of the suspect, whom police classified as a high-value individual, is another development in the authorities’ efforts to target individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade in Butuan City and surrounding communities.
Suguilon commended the operating personnel for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustained law enforcement operations against illegal drugs.
“I commend our operatives for their relentless efforts in the campaign against illegal drugs, resulting in the arrest of another HVI. This accomplishment strengthens our efforts to rid our streets of the threats posed by illegal drugs,” Suguilon said.
He also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by reporting suspected illegal activities in their communities to the nearest police station.
“PNP Caraga continues to call on the public to support our campaign by reporting any illegal activities in their communities to the nearest police station,” he added.
The police operation underscores the continuing collaboration between the Philippine National Police and PDEA in conducting anti-drug operations across the Caraga Region.
Authorities have yet to provide further details regarding the filing of formal charges and the subsequent legal proceedings against the arrested suspect.
The seized substance remains classified as suspected shabu pending appropriate forensic examination. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.