Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook
Two high-value individuals were arrested and over Php 20.7 million worth of suspected shabu confiscated in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Maladig, Picong, Lanao del Sur, on the morning of March 9, 2026.
Authorities identified the suspects as alias “Ben,” 55, a businessman from Cavite, and alias “Abag,” 46, a businessman from Maguindanao del Norte.
Police seized about 3,054 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php 20,767,200. Other items recovered included buy-bust money, mobile phones, identification cards, and a gray sport utility vehicle used by the suspects.
The operation followed weeks of intelligence monitoring and culminated when the suspects completed a drug transaction with an undercover operative, prompting immediate arrest by backup teams.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez commended the operating units for the successful operation, highlighting the importance of sustained intelligence in dismantling illegal drug activities.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating operasyon laban sa illegal drugs. Hindi natin hahayaang makalusot ang mga sindikatong sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Nartatez said.
He added that disciplined police work and solid coordination are key to pursuing high-value individuals and dismantling the networks behind them.
The suspects remain in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
