Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte – On January 24, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, a coordinated anti-illegal drug operation conducted by the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), and the 1005th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 yielded significant results.
The operation, implemented through Search Warrant No. 21-881 and coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 10, targeted a residence in Purok 1, Barangay Bansarvil, Kapatagan. The warrant, issued on January 14, 2025, by Honorable Alberto P. Quinto, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 21, stemmed from allegations of violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities successfully apprehended a 37-year-old suspect, identified only as alias “Rene,” a laborer and resident of the targeted address.
Seized Items
Recovered during the operation were the following:
- Seven small sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), weighing approximately 1.5 grams with an estimated street value of ₱10,200.
- One unsealed sachet containing suspected shabu residue.
- Three crumpled aluminum foils, commonly associated with drug use.
- A brown coin purse, used to store the seized items.
The seized substances have been sent to the Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative examination.
Charges and Custody
A case for violation of Section 11, Article II of RA 9165 is being prepared for inquest filing against the suspect. Currently, the individual remains in the custody of the Kapatagan MPS for documentation and further investigation.
Statement from Law Enforcement
Provincial Director of LDN PPO, Police Colonel Roy A. Magsalay, lauded the efforts of the operating team, emphasizing the importance of community safety.
“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 said.
The successful operation is part of the ongoing nationwide campaign to address the illegal drug problem and ensure safer communities in Lanao del Norte and beyond.