BUTUAN CITY – Two individuals, including a high-profile drug source, were arrested in a successful buy-bust operation carried out by the police in a subdivision in Purok 2, Barangay New Visayas, here in Panabo City. The operation was part of a wider campaign to combat the illegal drug trade in the region.
According to Police Regional Office 11 (PRO11) Director, PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete, the suspects were identified as alias “Dongkoy,” a 44-year-old male, considered the top drug source and the number 1 High-Value Individual (HVI) on the regional priority list, and alias “Gina,” a 38-year-old female. Both suspects are residents of Butuan City.
The buy-bust operation led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU11) resulted in the seizure of approximately 6.537 kilograms of shabu, valued at PHP 44,451,600 based on the standard drug price. The operation was carried out under the leadership of PMAJ Maynard D. Pascual, Chief of RPDEU11, and in coordination with various regional police units including CSOG, CDEU DCPO, Panabo City Police Station, and the 2nd Davao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company.
The successful operation is seen as a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in the region. The arrest of alias “Dongkoy,” dubbed the number 1 HVI in the area, is expected to severely disrupt the distribution and operation of illegal drugs across multiple provinces within the region.
Currently, both suspects are under investigation as authorities continue to track down potential accomplices involved in the illicit activities. They are facing charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
PRO11 Director PBGEN Roeste emphasized that the operation was the result of extensive intelligence gathering and collaboration with local communities, as part of the ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the region.
