PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur — A 46-year-old man was arrested after a joint anti-illegal drug operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 13 (PDEA RO 13) and the Prosperidad Municipal Police Station resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with a standard drug price of ₱136,000.
The operation was conducted on October 7, 2026, in Purok 6, Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, through the coordinated efforts of personnel from the PDEA Agusan del Sur Provincial Office and the local police station.
Authorities also recovered the buy-bust money used during the operation and a gold-colored Vivo Android mobile phone. The seized suspected illegal drugs were valued at ₱136,000 based on the standard price cited by the agency.
The arrest forms part of the continuing enforcement efforts of PDEA and its law enforcement partners against the illegal drug trade in the Caraga Region.
Suspect to face illegal drug sale charges
According to PDEA RO 13, the arrested man will face a charge for the alleged illegal sale of dangerous drugs under Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
The provision penalizes the unauthorized sale, trading, administration, dispensing, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, subject to the circumstances and evidence established in the case.
The filing of charges will initiate the legal process through which the allegations against the suspect must be evaluated by the appropriate authorities and courts.
The suspect’s identity and other personal details were not provided in the information released by the agency.
PDEA regional director commends coordinated operation
Director III Laurefel P. Gabales, regional director of PDEA RO 13, commended the personnel of the agency’s Agusan del Sur Provincial Office and the Prosperidad Municipal Police Station for their coordination, professionalism, and commitment to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Gabales emphasized that effective anti-drug enforcement depends not only on the dedication of law enforcement personnel but also on the sustained cooperation of local government units, community leaders, witnesses, and ordinary citizens.
The agency underscored the importance of cooperation between law enforcement authorities and communities in identifying and reporting suspected illegal drug activities while supporting efforts to maintain public safety.
Enforcement and rehabilitation remain priorities
PDEA RO 13 reiterated its commitment to working with partner agencies to strengthen anti-drug enforcement, encourage responsible community reporting, and promote access to rehabilitation services.
The agency said these efforts are intended to help build a safer, healthier, and more drug-resilient Caraga Region.
While enforcement operations remain a component of the government’s anti-drug campaign, community participation and accessible rehabilitation services are also important in addressing the wider social and public health implications of illegal drug use.
Authorities have not provided further details on the case or any subsequent court proceedings.