Authorities have arrested a drug peddler and confiscated PHP13.6 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” in Marawi City, according to a regional official from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday.
PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Director Gil Cesario Castro identified the arrested suspect as “Alias Orak,” a 21-year-old alleged drug peddler from Molundo, Lanao del Sur. He was apprehended during the handover of illegal narcotics to a PDEA undercover agent in Barangay Bangolo Poblacion, Marawi City, on Sunday afternoon.
“We had been tailing him for several days before his arrest,” Castro stated, noting that the suspect is believed to be affiliated with a significant drug syndicate operating in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.
Currently held at the PDEA detention facility, the suspect is set to face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Castro expressed gratitude to the PDEA partners involved in the operation, which included elements from the 45th Special Action Company, 4th Special Action Battalion, the 51st Infantry Battalion, and the Marawi City Police Station.