Buenavista: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Caraga Region (PDEA-13) arrested a priority drug personality in a buy-bust operation Thursday afternoon in Barangay Poblacion 2, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, officials reported Friday. The suspect, known by the alias 'Lino', was found in possession of five sachets of shabu weighing 500 grams, with a street value estimated at PHP3.4 million.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dindo Abellanosa of the PDEA-13 information office stated in an interview that the suspect is considered a high-value target and a resident of Butuan City. The successful arrest was carried out through a poseur buyer in the operation in Buenavista. Abellanosa noted that the suspect had been under surveillance by the agency since last year.

In addition to the illegal drugs, law enforcement officers also confiscated the suspect's mobile phone, which is believed to have been used in his operations. Abellanosa emphasized the importance of understanding the suspect's operations, suggesting that his market could extend to other provinces in the region. Authorities are also investigating the source of the illegal drugs.

The suspect is set to face charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.