PDEA Nabs High-Value Drug Suspect, Confiscates P340K Worth of Shabu in Lanao del Sur Operation
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have successfully apprehended a woman classified as a high-value target (HVT) and seized a substantial quantity of illegal drugs valued at approximately P340,000. This law enforcement action was carried out on Saturday, January 24, in the quiet community of Sigayan Proper Village, located in the municipality of Taraka, Lanao del Sur.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspect, identified by authorities under the alias Mona, is a 42-year-old resident of Cabayuan Village in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte. According to reports from the PDEA in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), Mona was taken into custody during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation. This strategic move allowed agents to catch the suspect in the act of an illegal drug transaction, ensuring a solid case against her.
During the operation, PDEA-BARMM personnel confiscated a total of 50 grams of suspected shabu, which was carefully packed in heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. The estimated street value of this confiscated substance is P340,000, highlighting the significant impact of this bust on local drug trafficking networks. Additionally, authorities recovered the buy-bust money that was utilized during the transaction, providing further evidence for the case.
Legal Proceedings and Collaborative Efforts
Following her arrest, alias Mona has been placed under the custody of the PDEA-BARMM Jail Facility. She is set to face serious legal consequences, with charges being prepared for violations under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This law imposes stringent penalties for drug-related offenses, underscoring the government's firm stance against the proliferation of illegal substances in the region.
The successful operation was not a solo endeavor; it was a coordinated effort led by PDEA operatives with crucial support from personnel of the Taraka and Mulondo Municipal Police Stations. This collaboration demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug-related crimes and enhancing public safety in Mindanao.
This arrest marks another step in the ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to dismantle drug syndicates and curb the flow of illegal narcotics, particularly in areas like Lanao del Sur where such activities pose a threat to community well-being.
