Cotabato City — A major drug bust in Sulu led to the confiscation of ₱20.4 million worth of shabu and the arrest of a high-value target during an operation in Barangay Tulay, Jolo on October 10, 2024. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Sulu Provincial Office, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, successfully disrupted what could have been a significant distribution of illegal drugs in the region.
Authorities seized approximately three kilograms of shabu, packaged in vacuum-sealed plastic bags marked with Chinese tea labels, alongside other items such as buy-bust money, mobile phones, and a Honda CRF 150 motorcycle. The drugs had a street value of ₱20,400,000.
The primary suspect, identified as Kaber Jailani Yusop, a 46-year-old elected barangay official from Barangay Lakit, Panamao, Sulu, was taken into custody. However, his alleged accomplice, known as Weng Najar, managed to escape and is still at large.
The operation was conducted with the support of multiple agencies, including the 5th Special Action Battalion, the Sulu Police Provincial Office, and the National Intelligence Central Agency Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (NICA BARMM). The suspect is currently detained at Jolo Municipal Police Station and is awaiting inquest proceedings for charges related to violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).
Authorities remain committed to their campaign against illegal drugs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, local government units, and concerned citizens in ensuring successful operations.
