A JOINT law enforcement operation dismantled an active drug den and arrested four suspects during a joint buy-bust operation along Artiaga Street in Barangay 33-D on Friday night, Aug. 21.
Elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency XI Regional Special Enforcement Team, the National Bureau of Investigation-Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office, and the City Mobile Force Company enforced the raid around 8:20 p.m. at Purok 3.
The primary target, identified by authorities as 60-year-old alias Eric, was apprehended after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu valued at ₱1,000 to an undercover PDEA agent.
Authorities identified Eric as the operator and maintainer of the facility.
Three other individuals were caught inside the premises during the operation: alias Marvin, an alleged employee of the drug den, and two visitors identified as alias Rodrigo and alias Wencesito.
A search of the property yielded nine sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 20 grams, with an estimated standard market value of ₱136,000. Operating units also confiscated assorted drug paraphernalia and the marked buy-bust money.
Atty. Benjamin G. Gaspi, PDEA XI regional director, praised the seamless coordination among participating agencies for the success of the operation. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to neutralizing neighborhood drug hubs and curbing illicit supply chains.
All four suspects are currently in custody and will face criminal charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
