By Alexander Lopez

BUTUAN CITY – Authorities arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of more than PHP1 million in a buy-bust operation in Purok 1, Barangay 13, Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on Tuesday afternoon.
In a statement Wednesday, Col. Nilo Texon, chief of the Surigao del Norte Police, identified the suspect as alias “Hiwi,” 46, a resident of the same village.
Police and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 13 (Caraga Region) confiscated 31 sachets of suspected shabu weighing 150.7 grams, valued at PHP1.03 million.
“The arrest is a significant blow to the illegal drug operations in the area,” Texon said, commending the local police and PDEA-13 for the operation’s success.
The seized drugs and the suspect are in the custody of the Dapa Municipal Police as authorities prepare charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring peace and safety in our province,” Texon added.
In a related development, PDEA-13 reported the dismantling of a drug den in Barangay Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur on Monday.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including the alleged drug den maintainer, and the seizure of more than 6 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP27,000. (PNA)