November 5, 2024 — Marawi City, Lanao del Sur
In a concerted effort to combat illegal drugs, police units in Marawi City apprehended three suspected drug dealers in a successful buy-bust operation on November 5. The joint operation, conducted by personnel from the Marawi City Police Station, Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office (LDSPPO), and the 1403rd and 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Companies (RMFB14-A), led to the seizure of 50 grams of shabu valued at Php 340,000.
The operation, which took place in Brgy. Moriatao Loksadatu, targeted a suspect known by the alias “Labto” and his two associates. Undercover police personnel, posing as buyers, engaged the suspects, resulting in their arrest as they completed the illegal transaction.
Authorities confiscated one heat-sealed sachet containing 25 grams of shabu, valued at Php 170,000, which served as the primary buy-bust item. Additional evidence recovered during the arrest included two sachets containing 10 grams of shabu (worth Php 68,000) and three sachets with 15 grams (worth Php 102,000), bringing the total to 50 grams of the illegal substance.
Following proper protocol, representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), local media, and a barangay official from Brgy. Moriatao Loksadatu witnessed the inventory and marking of evidence at the scene. The suspects, all Marawi City residents, were then taken to the Marawi City Police Station for documentation and further processing.
The suspects now face charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Regional Director PBGEN MACAPAZ praised the operation, commending the combined efforts of the involved police units. He highlighted the team’s dedication to eradicating illegal drugs, stating that their actions underscored the region’s commitment to public safety and the ongoing fight against the drug trade.
