A TOP regional-level target was arrested in a buy-bust operation in SIR Phase 1, Barangay 76-A, Davao City, at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2025.
Police only identified him as alias Palo, 45, a construction worker, who was handcuffed when he handed one sachet of suspected shabu valued to an undercover operative in exchange for P1,000.
The operation was conducted by joint personnel of the Davao City Police Office’s Drug Enforcement Unit, under the supervision of Police Major Jethro Joy J. Salanap and led by Police Senior Master Sergeant Gerry Tudlasan.
Authorities recovered another large sachet and four smaller sachets containing white substances. They also confiscated a green belt bag containing the P1,000 marked money and Palo’s personal cash (two P200 bills, serial numbers DN271691 and CD972604).
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of P522,648.
According to the police, the suspect was a key player in the distribution of illicit drugs. The DCPO believed his arrest would significantly disrupt the drug value chain in Davao City.
The suspect faces a charge of violating sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
