A live-in couple was arrested after authorities seized more than half a kilogram of suspected shabu worth approximately P3.5 million in a buy-bust operation in Compostela, Davao de Oro, on October 10.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 11, in coordination with the Police Regional Office 11-Regional Intelligence Unit, Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office, and Compostela Municipal Police Station, conducted the operation in Purok 16, Barangay San Miguel, at around 5:18 p.m.
Authorities identified the suspects as alias “Enting,” and his 37-year-old live-in partner, alias “Janice.” They were arrested after allegedly selling a heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu worth P7,000 to an undercover operative.
The operation also led to the confiscation of nine plastic sachets of various sizes containing suspected shabu, with an estimated total weight of 517 grams and a standard drug price of P3,515,600.
Authorities also recovered assorted drug paraphernalia and the marked money used in the transaction.
The confiscated substances were secured for documentation and laboratory examination.
The suspects are set to face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
PDEA 11 Regional Director Atty. Benjamin G. Gaspi said the agency would continue intensifying anti-drug operations to apprehend suspected drug personalities and prevent illegal drugs from reaching local communities.
He also urged the public to report suspicious drug-related activities to authorities, stressing that community cooperation remains important in efforts to curb illegal drugs and promote safer communities across the Davao Region.
