CAMP GALLEGO, Tubod, Lanao del Norte – A meticulously coordinated buy-bust operation conducted on the evening of December 15, 2024, resulted in the arrest of a drug suspect identified as “Joker,” a 23-year-old male residing in Purok 5 TCES, Poblacion, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
The operation, spearheaded by personnel from the Lanao del Norte Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (LDN PDEU), in collaboration with the LDN Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Tubod Municipal Police Station (MPS), Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID 10), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), unfolded at Purok 2 TCES, Poblacion. Authorities confirmed the use of PDEA Pre-Ops No. 30002-122024-0259 for the mission.
An undercover operative acted as a poseur buyer and successfully purchased a sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. Following the transaction, a body search revealed more evidence, including:
- Eight heat-sealed sachets containing shabu with an estimated weight of 1.00 gram and a street value of ₱6,800.
- One cylindrical plastic container.
- One green disposable lighter.
- Marked money, consisting of a ₱500 bill (serial number AF1706039), two ₱100 bills, and two ₱5 coins.
The operation was conducted in an orderly manner, with the presence of Barangay officials from Poblacion and a media representative from DXNE-FM Radyo Kalambuan serving as witnesses.
The suspect now faces charges for violating Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated evidence and the suspect are under the custody of Tubod MPS for further investigation and case filing.
Provincial Director PCOL Roy A. Magsalay lauded the efforts of the team, highlighting their role in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs. “This operation underscores the relentless commitment of LDN PPO in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs in the community. We assure the public that we will continue to intensify our efforts to eradicate illegal drug activities and bring offenders to justice,” he stated.
Authorities encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal drug activities to law enforcement agencies to strengthen the province’s fight against this menace.