Cotabato City — A successful buy-bust operation conducted on October 7, 2024, led to the dismantling of a drug den and the arrest of three individuals in the vicinity of Doña Pilar St., College, Poblacion 2, Cotabato City. The operation was spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Maguindanao Provincial Office, in coordination with various law enforcement units including the Regional Special Enforcement Team, Maguindanao Maritime Police Station, and Cotabato City Police.
Authorities confiscated seventeen heat-sealed sachets of shabu, weighing approximately 15 grams and valued at ₱102,000, along with buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, and a brown coin purse.
The suspects, identified as Abdul Eman Kusin, also known as Mamot or Dats, 39, the alleged maintainer of the drug den; Norman Pendular, also known as Bots, 20; and Richard Hilaga Batuga, 23, were arrested during the operation. The three are currently detained at the PDEA Jail Facility and face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).
The operation highlights the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb illegal drug activities in Cotabato City, further emphasizing their commitment to creating safer communities.
