Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – A joint law enforcement operation led to the recovery of Php 68,000.00 worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Raya Saduc, Marawi City, on October 11, 2024. The operation, conducted at around 5:30 PM, targeted two suspects, identified only as alias Gani and alias Alex, both residents of Barangay Bobonga Marawi.
The operation, spearheaded by the Marawi City Police Station (CPS) and City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), was supported by the Marawi CPS Alert Team, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), the 1403rd and 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Companies (RMFC), and the Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG) / Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU).
According to the police report, the suspects initially agreed to meet with a poseur-buyer for the transaction at Barangay Tampilong, near the Provincial Jail in Marawi City. After the transaction was completed, the pre-arranged signal was given, prompting backup operatives to move in. However, the suspects quickly realized they were dealing with undercover police and attempted to flee in a blue Toyota Corolla GLI.
A brief chase ensued, ending in heavy traffic near Palawan Express in Barangay Raya Saduc, where the suspects abandoned their vehicle and escaped on foot, successfully evading arrest.
During the operation, authorities recovered one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing approximately 10 grams of shabu, valued at around Php 68,000.00. An on-site physical inventory of the evidence was conducted, witnessed by a media representative and a barangay official.
The seized evidence was brought to the Marawi City Police Station for documentation, and criminal charges are being prepared against the suspects.
Police Colonel Robert S. Daculan, Provincial Director of LDSPPO, praised the efforts of all units involved, commending their teamwork and diligence in the fight against illegal drugs. Authorities continue to pursue the suspects and intensify operations to curb the drug trade in the region.
