Maguindanao del Norte – Authorities confiscated nearly PHP 1 million worth of illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Barangay Poblacion Dalican, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on December 16.
According to a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the arrested suspect was identified as Amir Kasim Upam, a farmer and resident of Barangay Bunged, Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS), Maguindanao del Norte. Upam sustained injuries during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment. Meanwhile, the target suspect, known only as alias “Ricky,” managed to escape.
Initial investigations revealed that the buy-bust operation was originally planned to occur in Barangay Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat. However, after negotiations between the suspects and poseur buyers, the transaction was moved to Barangay Poblacion Dalican, Maguindanao del Norte.
As the exchange of illegal drugs was about to take place, the suspects sensed that they were dealing with police operatives. Both suspects attempted to flee the scene on a motorcycle, prompting a police chase. When cornered, one of the suspects, Amir Upam, allegedly pointed a firearm at the poseur buyer, forcing law enforcement officers to fire back, which resulted in Upam sustaining a gunshot wound. Alias “Ricky”, however, escaped during the commotion.
Recovered during the operation were 144 grams of illegal drugs, estimated to be worth PHP 1 million.
The injured suspect was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for medical treatment, while police continue their manhunt for alias “Ricky,” who remains at large.
The successful operation highlights the continued efforts of the PNP to combat illegal drug activities in the region.