By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – Authorities seized 280 grams of shabu worth more than PHP1.9 million in two separate anti-illegal drug operations in the city this week, officials reported Thursday.
On Wednesday, police confiscated 180 grams of shabu valued at over PHP1.2 million during a search warrant operation in Purok 4, Barangay Taligaman. The operation was carried out by personnel from Station 4 of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) and the Agusan del Norte Maritime Police Station.
“Based on the report of our operatives, the suspect, identified as Alias Fred, 23, was able to evade arrest. He remains at large as of this reporting,” said Maj. Jennifer Omiter, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), in an interview Thursday.
Omiter said the suspect, considered a high-value target, will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In a separate statement Thursday, PRO-13 chief Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV said the operation highlighted the police’s continuing drive to dismantle illegal drug networks in the region.
“We are conducting thorough follow-up operations to determine the suspect’s possible involvement in other drug activities,” Magistrado said.
He also urged residents to continue cooperating with authorities to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, a buy-bust operation on Monday afternoon in Fort Poyohon, Butuan City, led to the arrest of another priority drug suspect. The operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Caraga and the BCPO’s City Drug Enforcement Unit.
Authorities seized 100 grams of shabu worth PHP680,000 from the suspect, who has since been charged with violating Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of RA 9165. (PNA)
