Northern Mindanao Cops Bust Drug Suspects, Seize P1.8M Worth of Shabu

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Anti-narcotics operatives seized over P1.8 million worth of suspected shabu, and arrested two alleged drug peddlers during back-to-back buy-bust operations in Bukidnon and this city before dawn on Saturday, Sept. 19. Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) reported that the separate stings yielded a combined total of roughly 270.13 grams of illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of P1,800,000. Recovered from the suspects were 10 sachets of shabu, boodle money, and communication devices. The two arrested suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. PRO-10 spokesperson Maj. Joepet B. Paglinawan said the operation was part of their intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region. “We will not stop until we eradicate illegal drugs in our communities,” Paglinawan said. He also urged the public to report any illegal drug activities in their areas to the police. “Your cooperation is vital in our fight against illegal drugs,” he added. Meanwhile, in other drug-related operations, two other individuals were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Taguig City on Friday, Sept. 18. Authorities seized P10.2 million worth of shabu and other illegal drugs from the suspects. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the operation was part of their intensified campaign against illegal drug syndicates operating in Metro Manila. PDEA spokesperson Derrick Arnold Carreon said they are closely monitoring the activities of these syndicates and are committed to bringing them to justice. “We will continue to conduct operations like this to dismantle these drug syndicates and protect our communities from the menace of illegal drugs,” Carreon said.