GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Anti-drug operatives arrested a 31-year-old mechanic and confiscated suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱347,636.40 during a buy-bust operation along Digos-Makar Road, at the corner of Purok 15, Barangay Tinagacan, General Santos City, at around 6:35 p.m. on October 13, 2026.
The operation was led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU 12), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 (PDEA 12), Regional Intelligence Unit 12 (RIU 12), Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 12 (PDEG SOU 12), and Police Station 8 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO).
The arrested suspect was identified only by the alias “Mad,” a 31-year-old married mechanic and resident of Purok 18, Barangay Tinagacan, General Santos City. Authorities said the operation was conducted in coordination with PDEA 12 under Control No. 13-00-10122026-013.
During the operation, undercover operatives reportedly purchased one small, rectangular plastic sachet containing suspected shabu from the suspect. The sachet had a gross weight of 0.659 gram and served as the alleged transaction item in the buy-bust.
A subsequent search and recovery yielded another sachet containing suspected shabu weighing 50.464 grams. Operatives also recovered the marked ₱1,000 bill used in the operation, a green coin purse allegedly used to store illegal drugs, and ₱97 in cash.
The confiscated suspected illegal drugs had a combined gross weight of 51.123 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price value of ₱347,636.40.
Authorities conducted the marking and inventory of the seized evidence in the presence of the arrested suspect, a media representative, and a barangay kagawad of Barangay Tinagacan, in accordance with procedures for documenting evidence during anti-drug operations.
The confiscated drug evidence is currently under the custody of the investigator-on-case and will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit in General Santos City for laboratory examination to determine the substances involved.
Meanwhile, the suspect remains in the temporary custody of GSCPO Police Station 8 while authorities prepare the appropriate complaints in connection with the alleged illegal drug activity.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog underscored the importance of sustained, intelligence-driven operations in the campaign against illegal drugs.
The operation highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Region 12 to disrupt the illegal drug trade through coordinated intelligence gathering, enforcement operations, and the seizure of suspected illegal substances.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding the case as the investigation and preparation of the appropriate complaints continue.