AUTHORITIES from the National Bureau of Investigation Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-Semro) revealed that illegal drugs seized in a recent Davao City operation, valued at around ₱23 million, are believed to have originated from Luzon. The agency has also identified those involved but is withholding their names as investigations continue.
NBI-Semro regional director lawyer Arcelito Albao said the raid took place at dawn on June 8, 2025, in a residential unit at Emily Homes, Cabantian, Buhangin District. The property was reportedly used as a repacking and distribution center for illegal drugs.
Agents seized approximately 1.575 kilograms of shabu, estimated at ₱17.325 million, and about 4.885 kilograms of high-grade marijuana or “kush,” valued at ₱5.86 million. They also recovered drug paraphernalia, including heat sealers, packaging materials, and marijuana-infused vaping oils.
The operation was triggered by a tip from a concerned resident, later identified as the house caretaker, who reported suspicious activity after noticing a strong marijuana odor and signs of use inside the property. The caretaker sought help through legal counsel.
NBI officials noted the operation appeared part of a sophisticated drug distribution network. Among the items found were repackaged vape oils, edibles, and resin-infused food products branded as "Packwoods x Big Chief" and "Kaws Exotic."
Albao explained to local media that the volume and variety of drugs point to an organized syndicate requiring significant manpower and logistics, suggesting a wide consumer base in the area.
Investigators believe the syndicate may have used food delivery services like Foodpanda and Maxim to discreetly transport drug packages around the city, hiding them in common delivery containers.
No arrests were made during the raid, but documents recovered, such as lease agreements and labeled packages, helped identify several suspects, some already in jail for past drug offenses.
The NBI also indicated that the kush might have been transported from Luzon, based on patterns from previous seizures and intelligence reports.
The confiscated drugs remain in NBI custody as inventory and documentation continue. Charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Davao Region (Pdea-Davao) and local barangay officials to ensure transparency and legal compliance. DEF