GENERAL SANTOS CITY – In a concerted effort to dismantle the illegal drug trade in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) successfully conducted a focused law enforcement operation, leading to the confiscation of Php 1,404,200 worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of two suspects in Purok Christian Village, Barangay Calumpang on March 28, 2025.
Under the leadership of PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director, a joint operation was carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 12, led by PMAJ Dave Y. Abarra, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 12, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) 12, the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU), and Police Station 10 of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO).
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as a 44-year-old male known as “Batchoy,” a sikad driver classified as a High-Value Individual (HVI), and a 52-year-old male known as “Dodong,” a sikad driver and a widow, classified as a Street-Level Individual (SLI). Both are residents of Block 1, Purok 13-A, MC Village, Barangay Fatima, General Santos City.
During the buy-bust operation, law enforcers recovered several sachets of suspected shabu weighing 206.5 grams, along with a marked one-thousand-peso bill used as buy-bust money. The inventory and marking of the seized illegal drugs were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects and a barangay official.
Following the operation, the arrested suspects were taken to Police Station 5, GSCPO, for proper documentation and disposition. Meanwhile, the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 12 for further analysis.
PBGEN Ardiente emphasized the importance of community cooperation in combating illegal drugs, stating, “Our fight against illegal drugs is gaining real ground because of the powerful alliance between law enforcement and our community. Together, we’re not just creating safer neighborhoods—we’re building a future free from drugs for everyone.”
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to illegal drugs to help maintain peace and order in the region.