Major Drug Bust in Mindanao: P395K Worth of Shabu Seized, Six Suspects Arrested
In a significant blow to illegal drug activities in Mindanao, law enforcement authorities have successfully conducted separate operations in Lanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Norte, resulting in the seizure of P395,080 worth of suspected shabu and the arrest of six suspects. These coordinated efforts also led to the dismantling of a drug den, highlighting the ongoing crackdown on narcotics in the region.
Operations in Lanao del Norte Lead to Two Arrests
The first phase of the anti-drug campaign unfolded in Lanao del Norte on Friday, January 23, where police arrested two individuals in distinct buy-bust operations. According to Police Colonel Leo De Leon Sua, the Lanao del Norte police director, the suspects were identified by their aliases as Jun-Jun, 23, of Maria Cristina village, Baloi, and Al-Al, 26, of Bag-ong Dawi village, Baroy.
Jun-Jun, described as a street-level individual (SLI) suspect, was apprehended around 4:40 p.m. in Purok 3, Nangka village, Baloi. Authorities confiscated from him approximately 50.60 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P344,080, along with a pouch and P500 in marked money. He is currently detained at the Baloi Municipal Police Station for documentation and further legal proceedings.
In a separate operation later that day, Al-Al was arrested around 6:50 p.m. in Bag-ong Dawi village, Baroy. Seized from him were about 1.5 grams of suspected shabu worth P10,200, illegal drug paraphernalia, and P200 in marked money. Al-Al is now under the custody of the Baroy Municipal Police Station.
Drug Den Dismantled in Maguindanao del Norte, Four Suspects Nabbed
Meanwhile, in Maguindanao del Norte, a more extensive operation on Thursday, January 22, resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the dismantling of a drug den. The suspects, identified by their aliases as Rex, 43, the alleged drug den maintainer; Talib, 31; Kongking, 32; and Ogie, 25, were captured in a buy-bust operation in Digal village, Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-Barmm) reported that the operation yielded approximately six grams of suspected shabu packed in 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets, valued at P40,800. Additional items seized included a mobile phone, buy-bust money, an identification card, and assorted drug paraphernalia. The suspects are currently held at the PDEA-Barmm Jail Facility and will face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities Reaffirm Commitment to Anti-Drug Campaign
Police Colonel Sua emphasized that these successful operations underscore the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to protect communities from the dangers of illegal drugs. In a statement, he assured the public, "We assure the public that the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office will continue to intensify anti-illegal drug operations and ensure that the rule of law prevails."
The operations were conducted by police operatives from various units in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), with support from military operatives in the Maguindanao del Norte case. This collaborative approach demonstrates a unified front against drug-related crimes in the Philippines.
These incidents highlight the persistent efforts of authorities to combat the illegal drug trade in Mindanao, aiming to create safer environments for residents. The seizures and arrests mark a significant step in disrupting drug networks and enforcing national laws against narcotics.
