NBI discover P23-M worth of shabu and “kush” in Davao

Davao City (June 9)  – In a pre-dawn raid on June 8, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 11 seized an estimated ₱23 million worth of illegal drugs from a house in Barangay Cabantian, Davao City

The operation was conducted around 5:00 a.m. Sunday, targeted a residential unit in the Emily Homes subdivision that was allegedly being used as a clandestine warehouse and repackaging hub for narcotics.

Among the confiscated contraband were roughly 1.5 kilograms of suspected shabu (crystal meth) valued at about ₱17 million and 4–5 kilograms of high-grade marijuana (kush) worth around ₱5–6 million, according to official reports.

NBI agents, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region XI, carried out the operation after covert surveillance confirmed illicit activity at the property

Inside, authorities found a stockpile of drugs along with various tools for repackaging, indicating the house served as a distribution center for a drug syndicate operating in the city.

 Investigators seized heat sealers, plastic sachets, and even food delivery boxes, which the suspects allegedly used to disguise drug shipments as ordinary deliveries.

An official NBI report described the scene as “a covert drug operation camouflaged under the guise of routine delivery services,” highlighting the elaborate attempt to hide the trafficking behind legitimate couriers.

Authorities said the raid was prompted by a tip from the house’s caretaker, who had grown alarmed by a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the premises.

The caretaker, accompanied by a lawyer, approached NBI agents and pointed out the suspicious house after noticing traces of cannabis inside the property.

 “He… came to our office and pointed to a house that allegedly had a strong, pungent smell, and they saw traces of marijuana,” NBI Southeastern Mindanao Director Atty. Arcelito Albao recounted, explaining how the information led to the operation.

 NBI officers then coordinated with PDEA and local officials to verify the report and secure a search warrant, leading to the successful bust early the next morning. As operatives combed through the house, they discovered an assortment of imported cannabis-based products and derivatives in addition to the bulk drugs.

 Confiscated items included bottles of marijuana oil (some marketed as a “sexual drive” enhancer), cannabis-infused food products like brownies, and branded vape cartridges containing high-potency THC extracts.

“They have marijuana oil for vapes… marijuana oil for sexual drive, and kush that can be mixed into cake, brownies,” Albao said, noting that it was the first time authorities had encountered such a large and diverse stash of drugs in the city.

The presence of specialized packaging (such as products labeled “Boutiq” concentrates and “Packwoods” vape pens) suggested that the syndicate was catering to a high-end clientele and attempting to market the illegal goods covertly.

No suspects were immediately arrested during the raid, as the house was unoccupied at the time. Still, the NBI said it has identified several persons of interest believed to be behind the operation.

“We have identified the subjects, but we cannot disclose their names yet as the investigation and follow-up operations are ongoing,” Albao told the media.

Investigators recovered lease documents from the property, indicating that the lessee of the house is a Filipino national, which provided leads on the individuals involved

.Albao also revealed that the bulk of the contraband was likely shipped from outside Mindanao – possibly from Luzon – since past cases show high-grade kush is often sourced from other regions.

“For this large quantity, it came from other places and was transported here,” he explained, suggesting the drugs were trafficked into Davao via courier or cargo routes.

 The seized narcotics and assorted evidence are now in NBI custody, as an inventory of the items is underway.

Authorities said they will file charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against the suspects once the investigation is completed Albao noted that some members of this drug network had already been apprehended in prior operations and remain incarcerated, indicating that Sunday’s haul was part of a broader crackdown on the syndicate’s activitie.s

Police and NBI operatives are pursuing the remaining suspects as follow-up investigations continue in the wake of the major drug haul.