Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — In a significant breakthrough against illegal drugs, joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office BARMM and multiple police units successfully dismantled a drug den in a buy-bust operation at Sitio Broce, Zone 4, Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on November 28, 2024.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a high-value target, identified as 56-year-old Baiwata Amirol Ala, also known as Baiwata, who was listed as a regional drug den maintainer. Along with her, three male suspects—Jackson Escoral Mandi (35), Jeffrey Ala Abdullah (20), and Jehad Ala Abdullah (20)—were also apprehended.
Authorities confiscated 42 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” with an estimated street value of ₱170,000. Additionally, buy-bust money, two mobile phones, and assorted drug paraphernalia were seized during the operation.
PDEA-BARMM Regional Director Gil Cesario Castro confirmed that the operation was conducted in coordination with the Maguindanao Maritime Police Station, Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit/Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit-BARMM, and the Maguindanao Del Norte Provincial Police Office.
The suspects are currently detained at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility and are awaiting inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
This latest successful operation underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The authorities reiterated their commitment to pursuing individuals and groups involved in the illegal drug trade.