P95M worth of shabu seized in Surigao port; high-value suspect arrested

A coordinated anti-illegal drug operation at a major port in Surigao City led to the arrest of a suspected drug courier and the seizure of nearly P95 million worth of suspected shabu in the early hours of March 14, 2026, the Philippine National Police reported Sunday.

The interdiction was carried out at around 4:45 a.m. at Lipata Port, Brgy. Lipata, Surigao City, by joint operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority Police (PPA), and other law enforcement units.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old high-value individual (HVI), a male suspect known by the alias “Sultan,” a Maranao and resident of Taguig City.

Authorities recovered 14 packages of suspected shabu weighing approximately 14 kilograms, with an estimated street value of P95,200,000.00. Also seized during the operation were a gray pickup vehicle, a spare tire, and a mobile phone believed to be linked to the transport of the illegal drugs.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody and informed of his constitutional rights. The confiscated items were properly documented and turned over to authorities for further investigation and case build-up.

Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the joint operating teams for the successful interdiction, emphasizing the importance of strong coordination among law enforcement agencies in curbing the flow of illegal drugs.

“Malinaw ang ating mensahe—hindi natin hahayaan na magamit ang ating mga pantalan bilang daanan ng ilegal na droga. Through sustained coordination and vigilance, we will continue to intercept these shipments and hold those responsible accountable,” Nartatez said.

He added that the arrest reflects the continuing resolve of the police organization to dismantle drug networks operating across regions. “This operation shows that when our units work together, we can effectively disrupt the movement of illegal drugs and protect our communities,” he said.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s intensified anti-illegal drug efforts in line with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, supporting the national government’s broader campaign against illegal drugs under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.