ARRESTED. Five drug suspects (right) hide their faces following their arrest inside a drug den in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, on Tuesday (Oct. 3, 2023). At least 14 drug suspects were arrested while two drug dens were dismantled by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Soccsksargen Region from Oct. 1-3, 2023. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-12)
KORONADAL CITY – With the police and military's help, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Soccsksargen Region (PDEA-12) arrested 14 drug suspects and dismantled two drug dens in intensified operations across the region since Oct. 1.
In a statement Tuesday, PDEA-12 Director Aileen T. Lovitos said PDEA agents partnered with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army for the three-day anti-drug operations, the latest of which occurred at dawn Tuesday involving five drug personalities.
Lovitos said the suspects, which included two women, yielded some PHP81,000 worth of “shabu” during a buy-bust in Barangay San Isidro, Koronadal City.
Cases for violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have been filed against the suspects.
A day earlier, PDEA agents dismantled a drug den, also in Koronadal City, and arrested five drug personalities during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Zone 3.
Lovitos identified the drug den operator as Ian Dinero, 31, a resident of Koronadal City.
“The operation was an off-shoot from reports of concerned citizens that the house of Dinero is being utilized as a drug den,” Lovitos said.
She added that Dinero is also a “plea bargainer” and was previously arrested for violation of RA 9165.
Confiscated during the operation were ten sachets or 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP102,000, shabu paraphernalia, and the drug bust money.
On Sunday, PDEA agents from Sarangani and General Santos Provincial Office, backed by General Santos City police also dismantled a drug den in Acharon compound, Barangay Dadiangas West, and arrested Neil John Ladica, another drug den owner.
Three of his alleged clients, including two plea bargainers, are now behind bars. Agents seized PHP102,000 worth of “shabu.” (PNA)
