Law enforcement authorities have arrested a high-value target drug personality and seized approximately PHP 6.8 million worth of illegal drugs in Lanao del Sur, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Buy-Bust Operation in Banga Village
The PDEA in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) identified the arrested suspect as alias Abdul, 57. According to PDEA-Barmm, Abdul was apprehended during a buy-bust operation conducted on Wednesday, April 22, in Banga village, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Seized Items
Confiscated during the operation was one kilogram of suspected shabu concealed in gold Chinese tea bag packaging. The illegal drugs have an estimated standard drug price of PHP 6.8 million. Also seized were a mobile phone, a sling bag, the suspect's driver's license, and the marked buy-bust money.
Surveillance and Charges
The buy-bust operation was launched following an extensive surveillance of the suspect's illegal drug trade activities. PDEA-Barmm reported that Abdul was allegedly involved in distributing illegal drugs in nearby towns across Lanao del Sur.
The suspect is currently detained and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Commitment to Anti-Drug Campaign
PDEA-Barmm reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to intensify anti-drug operations in the region. The agency called on the public to remain vigilant and actively support efforts to eliminate illegal drugs. The operation was led by the PDEA Lanao del Sur Provincial Office, with strong support from police and military forces in Marawi City.
