In a significant blow to the narcotics trade in Northern Mindanao, government forces have apprehended a high-value individual (HVI) drug trader and confiscated an estimated P2.3 million worth of shabu alongside a firearm during a targeted operation in Lanao del Norte.
Coordinated Raid Nets Suspect and Contraband
The successful law enforcement action took place on the evening of Tuesday, January 14, 2026, in Purok 1, Kakai Renabor village, Tubod municipality. According to Police Colonel Leo Sua, the Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Office, the operation was carried out by a joint team of police and military operatives serving a search warrant at the suspect's residence around 7 p.m.
The target of the raid, identified only by the alias "Ham," 33 years old, was arrested without incident at the scene. Ham is a resident of the area where the operation was conducted.
Substantial Haul of Evidence Recovered
A thorough search of the suspect's home yielded substantial evidence linking him to illegal drug activities. The seized items include:
- Approximately 350 grams of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) with an estimated street value of P2.3 million.
- One caliber .45 pistol with live ammunition.
- An electronic weighing scale and various other drug paraphernalia used in the packaging and distribution of illegal substances.
Police Vow Sustained Anti-Drug Campaign
In a statement following the operation, Police Colonel Sua emphasized that the arrest underscores the relentless commitment of the Lanao del Norte Police in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs within local communities. He assured the public that law enforcement agencies will continue to intensify their efforts to eradicate all illegal drug activities and ensure that offenders face the full force of the law.
The suspect is now facing serious charges for violations of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (possession and possession of paraphernalia) as well as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. "Ham" is currently under the custody of the Tubod Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper legal disposition.
This operation highlights the ongoing collaboration between different branches of the security forces in the Philippines to target high-profile individuals within the drug trade, aiming to dismantle distribution networks at their source.
