In a major success in the ongoing war against illegal drugs, joint forces from several law enforcement agencies carried out a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bualo Lipid, Maimbung, Sulu, on the morning of October 2, 2024. The coordinated effort involved the Maimbung Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 1401st-B Company of RMFB 14-B, 3rd Maneuver Platoon, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU)-Sulu, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) BARMM Sulu Provincial Office. The operation, which took place around 10:30 AM, resulted in the arrest of two drug suspects and the confiscation of suspected shabu.
The suspects, identified as a 27-year-old male from Barangay Laud Kulasi and a 32-year-old male known by the alias “Mang” from Barangay Kulasi, are both married and unemployed. They were apprehended during the buy-bust operation with several illegal items in their possession.
Authorities recovered the following items from the suspects:
- Twelve (12) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with an estimated weight of 15 grams and a street value of Php 102,000.00
- One (1) medium heat-sealed sachet of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 0.3 grams, valued at Php 2,040.00 (buy-bust item)
- One (1) Php 500.00 bill used as marked money during the operation (Serial Number: AG1712748)
- Php 470.00 in cash in various denominations, believed to be proceeds from drug transactions
- One (1) pack of 1×10 plastic cellophane
- One (1) black pouch
The inventory and marking of the recovered items were conducted immediately at the scene, with insulating witnesses and members of the operating team present.
The arrested individuals are now facing charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Both suspects are currently in the custody of Maimbung MPS for further investigation and legal processing.
PBGEN Prexy D. Tanggawohn, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office BAR, emphasized the police force’s unwavering dedication to combating illegal drug activities in the region. “Our relentless efforts to create a peaceful and drug-free community will continue,” said PBGEN Tanggawohn.
This successful operation underscores the authorities’ commitment to intensifying their efforts in ridding the region of illegal drugs and maintaining peace and order in Sulu.
