Police authorities in the Soccsksargen region scored significant victories in the war against illegal drugs this week, apprehending three individuals and seizing a substantial quantity of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu.
Coordinated Operations Net Suspects in Two Provinces
According to Police Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, the regional director of the Soccsksargen police, separate anti-drug operations were successfully conducted on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. The operations resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified through their aliases.
The suspects were named as Jazz, 22, and Kratos, 31, who were apprehended in South Cotabato. In a separate operation in Sultan Kudarat, authorities arrested Shella Mae, 29, who was tagged as a street-level individual (SLI) in the illegal drug trade.
Details of the Buy-Bust Operations
The first operation took place in Polomolok, South Cotabato. At around 10:51 p.m., operatives captured Jazz and Kratos in Barangay Cannery-site following a buy-bust. Confiscated from the duo were approximately 10.1 grams of suspected shabu. The drugs were contained in three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets with an estimated street value of P102,680. Lawmen also recovered the marked money used in the operation.
Hours earlier, in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, another team moved against Shella Mae. The buy-bust was executed at roughly 3:56 a.m. in Barangay Kalawag 3. Seized from her were about 8.129 grams of suspected shabu packed in four plastic sachets, valued at P55,277.20. Aside from the drugs and marked money, police also confiscated a cellular phone and other personal items.
Charges Filed and Continued Vigilance
All arrested suspects and the confiscated evidence were brought to their respective municipal police stations. The Polomolok Municipal Police Station is processing the case against Jazz and Kratos, while the Isulan Municipal Police Station is handling Shella Mae's case. Authorities are preparing to file charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
General Ardiente emphasized the success of their strategy, stating, "The arrest of these suspects is a clear manifestation of the effectiveness of our coordinated and intelligence-driven operations." He vowed that the Philippine National Police in Soccsksargen would persist in its collaboration with partner agencies to dismantle drug networks and foster safer communities. The total value of the illegal drugs confiscated in these twin operations amounts to P157,957.20.
