Personnel of Police Station 5 (PS5) of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) successfully apprehended a drug suspect during an operation in Purok 15, Barangay Pala-o, Iligan City, on December 3, 2024.
The suspect, identified as alias “Insik,” a 39-year-old habal-habal driver and resident of Barangay Santo Rosario, Iligan City, was caught in the act of handing over a sachet of suspected shabu to a companion. PS5 personnel, initially in the area for a separate operation targeting a wanted individual, acted swiftly to apprehend the suspect. However, his companion escaped toward the riverside.
Confiscated from the suspect were two large heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 63.4 grams. The seized illegal drugs have an estimated standard drug price of PHP 431,120. A weighing scale was also recovered during the operation.
Authorities revealed that the suspect has a history of arrests related to the Comelec Gun Ban, possession of illegal firearms, and illegal drugs. He is now in the custody of PS5 ICPO, and a case for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against him.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended the operatives for their swift action. “PRO10 remains committed to eradicating illegal drugs and safeguarding the communities of Northern Mindanao. Let this serve as a stern warning to those who continue to engage in these illegal activities—we will pursue justice relentlessly,” he stated.
He also called on the public to support the campaign against illegal drugs by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
This operation underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement in Northern Mindanao to curb the drug menace and promote peace and safety in the region.