By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur— Fifteen suspected drug personalities were arrested while more than P390,000 worth of suspected shabu was seized in separate anti-illegal drug operations across the Caraga region on Tuesday, April 29, police said.
The Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) said the operations resulted in the confiscation of 57.74 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug price of P392,632.
Based on data from the Regional Operations Division, four suspects were arrested by the Butuan City Police Office, seven by the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office, three by the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, and one by the Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office.
PRO 13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV said two suspects, identified only by their aliases “Bam2x” and “Jam,” were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok 15, Barangay Bayanihan, Butuan City.
The operation was conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Butuan City Police Station 3, together with the Regional Intelligence Unit 13 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Agusan del Norte Provincial Office.
Authorities seized from the suspects around 30 grams of suspected shabu worth P204,000, along with assorted drug paraphernalia.
In Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, police also confiscated around 10 grams of suspected shabu worth P68,000 from five suspects identified by their aliases “Art,” “Lyn,” “Jun,” “Ben,” and “Edan.”
Police said the five suspects, all of legal age and residents of different barangays in Marihatag, were initially apprehended after they were allegedly caught hauling illegally cut logs.
Magistrado commended PRO 13 personnel for their continued efforts against illegal drugs and other crimes.
“I commend the men and women of PRO 13 for their commitment in the fight against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality. Likewise, I urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any illegal activities, especially those involving illegal drugs, to the nearest police station. Let us continue to work together to eradicate illegal drugs in the community,” Magistrado said.
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