CDO Drug Suspect Busted, Over P2 Million Shabu Seized

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A midnight hustle resulted in a multimillion-peso dead end for a suspected drug peddler after authorities intercepted over P2 million worth of shabu in a predawn buy-bust operation here on Saturday. Operatives from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) arrested a high-value individual, identified only by his alias “AJ,” at around 1:35 a.m. in Bulao, Barangay Iponan. Seized from the 32-year-old resident of Barangay Carmen were 10 heat-sealed sachets containing roughly 300 grams of suspected shabu. The seized contraband carries an estimated value of P2,040,000. Authorities also recovered a P1,000 marked bill used as buy-bust money and a motorcycle believed to be used in his illicit courier activities. Initial investigation suggests that the suspect is a key distributor of illegal drugs within the city. Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano, PRO-10 director, commended his men, along with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-10) and the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office for the successful apprehension. “This operation delivers another significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Northern Mindanao by preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” Abrahano said. “PRO10 will continue strengthening intelligence-driven operations and close coordination with our partner agencies to pursue those involved in the illegal drug trade and ensure a safer, drug-free region,” he added. The suspect is currently detained at the Maharlika Custodial Facility while the seized narcotics have been forwarded to the Regional Forensic Unit 10 for examination. Authorities are now preparing to file formal complaints against “AJ” for the sale and possession of illegal drugs. “Our investigation does not end with the arrest. We are continuing to identify and pursue other individuals who may be connected to the suspect’s illegal activities,” Maj. Joann Navarro, PRO-10 spokesperson, told the Inquirer.