By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A high-value drug suspect was arrested while more than P3.4 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a joint anti-drug operation in Butuan City on Saturday, June 27, authorities said.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 13 said the buy-bust operation was carried out around 10:38 a.m. in Purok Liloan, Barangay Agusan Pequeño, Butuan City. The operation was conducted by several PDEA Caraga units, including the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, Drug Interdiction and Preventive Education Unit, Special Intelligence Unit-Nasipit, Airport Interdiction Unit-Butuan, Legal and Prosecution Unit, and the Butuan City Police Station 2.
Arrested was a 41-year-old single and jobless man from Barangay Bading, Butuan City, who authorities identified as a high-value target. PDEA said the suspect sustained injuries during the operation and was placed under custody while receiving medical attention.
Seized from the suspect were around 505 grams of suspected shabu valued at P3,434,000, along with the marked money used in the buy-bust. The suspect will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
PDEA Caraga Regional Director Laurefel P. Gabales commended the operating units for what he described as their professionalism, courage, and coordination in the arrest of the suspect and recovery of a significant volume of illegal drugs.
“This accomplishment is a testament to the strong partnership among our law enforcement agencies and the invaluable support of our local government units and the community,” Gabales said. “Through our collective efforts, we continue to deny drug syndicates the opportunity to victimize our people and destroy families.”
Gabales also said all members of the operating teams were safely accounted for after the operation, stressing that the preservation of life remains a key consideration in anti-drug operations.
“Our operatives are trained to perform their duties with professionalism and restraint, always giving paramount importance to the preservation of life while enforcing the law,” he said.
He urged those still involved in illegal drugs to surrender and avail themselves of community-based drug rehabilitation and reformation programs in their localities.
“It is never too late to change, and the government remains ready to help those who sincerely seek recovery and reintegration into society,” Gabales said.
PDEA Caraga said it would continue intelligence-driven and inter-agency anti-drug operations across the region in coordination with police, local governments, and communities.
