Police Apprehend Four Suspects and Confiscate P428,672 Worth of Illegal Drugs in Lanao del Sur
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, law enforcement officers in Lanao del Sur have successfully arrested four individuals, including three classified as high-value targets, and seized illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P428,672. The operations were conducted on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, 2026, as confirmed by police reports released on April 12.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
Police Colonel Caezar Cabuhat, the director of the Lanao del Sur Police, provided specific details regarding the apprehended suspects. Two of the individuals have been identified by their aliases as Apon and Onak. The arrests were part of coordinated efforts to combat the illegal drug trade in the region.
First Operation: Arrest of Alias Apon
On Saturday, April 11, a buy-bust operation was executed in Buadiamaloy, Masiu, Lanao del Sur, leading to the arrest of alias Apon. During the operation, authorities confiscated approximately 13.24 grams of suspected shabu, which was packaged in 16 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. The estimated value of these drugs is P90,032. In addition to the narcotics, law enforcement officers seized a motorcycle, a mobile phone, an identification card, and various illegal drug paraphernalia from the suspect.
Following his arrest, Apon was transported to the Masiu Municipal Police Station, where he is currently being held in preparation for the filing of formal charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This operation was a collaborative effort involving local police units and troops from the Bravo Company of the 5th Infantry Battalion.
Second Operation: Arrest of Alias Onak and Two Cohorts
In a separate incident on Friday, April 10, police apprehended alias Onak and two additional individuals, all of whom are classified as high-value targets. The arrest occurred during a buy-bust operation conducted along the national highway in Gadongan village, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. According to Colonel Cabuhat's report, the transaction took place in front of a store, and the suspects were immediately taken into custody after the exchange.
From these suspects, authorities recovered approximately 49.8 grams of suspected shabu, contained in one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet, with an estimated value of P338,640. Other items seized included buy-bust money and a motorcycle without a registered license plate. The arrested individuals, along with all confiscated evidence, were brought to the Marawi City Police Station for proper documentation and processing. Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against them.
This operation was supported by troops from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, highlighting the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs.
Commendation and Ongoing Efforts
Police Colonel Caezar Cabuhat praised the operating units for their successful execution of these anti-drug operations. He emphasized that these arrests represent a crucial step forward in the ongoing campaign to eradicate illegal drug activities in Lanao del Sur. The combined efforts of law enforcement and military personnel have demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
The seizures and arrests underscore the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking in the region and the determined response from authorities to address these issues. As the legal proceedings move forward, the police continue to monitor and investigate related activities to ensure a comprehensive approach to drug enforcement.
