October 30, 2024 – Mlang, Cotabato
In a decisive anti-drug operation, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested a high-value drug suspect in a buy-bust operation in Cotabato. The raid, conducted on October 30, resulted in the seizure of Php170,000 worth of suspected shabu.
The operation, executed along Dagohoy Street, Brgy. Poblacion A, Mlang, was led by personnel from Mlang Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 12, and Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) 12, under the supervision of PBGEN James E. Gulmatico, Officer-in-Charge of PRO 12.
The suspect, known only by the alias “Ric-ric,” is a 46-year-old habal-habal driver identified as a high-value target in drug enforcement efforts. Confiscated from him were a large and two smaller rectangular sachets containing the suspected illegal drug, as well as a black Bajaj motorcycle and Php1,000 in genuine currency used in the transaction.
Following the arrest, the evidence has been sent to the Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination, while “Ric-ric” is now in police custody at the Mlang Municipal Police Station for further processing and documentation.
PRO 12’s PBGEN Gulmatico emphasized the agency’s commitment to fighting drug proliferation in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, saying, “Acknowledging its detrimental effects to society, PRO 12 vows to continue its proactive measures to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs with greater focus on high-value individuals to achieve its quest of a drug-free SOCCSKSARGEN.”
The recent operation marks another effort in the region’s ongoing battle against illegal drugs, particularly targeting high-value individuals involved in the illicit trade.
