Sultan Kudarat – A successful buy-bust operation by the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO) led to the arrest of a high-value drug suspect and the confiscation of suspected shabu worth approximately PHP 77,000. The operation took place at around 4:50 PM at Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay San Pablo, Tacurong City.
The suspect, identified as alias “Taher,” a 44-year-old self-employed resident of Purok Islam, Block 1, Barangay Gansing, Tacurong City, was apprehended by a joint team comprising personnel from the Tacurong City Police Station (CPS), the SK Provincial Intelligence Unit/Drug Enforcement Unit, and the 1st SK Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). “Taher” is listed as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the province’s drug watchlist.
During the operation, authorities seized:
- One medium-sized sachet of suspected shabu
- One large-sized sachet of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 11.38 grams
- A wallet with black, green, and red accents
- A Samsung keypad cellphone
- A black Honda XRM 125 motorcycle
- A marked PHP 1,000 bill used in the buy-bust transaction
The confiscated illegal substances have a standard drug price valuation of PHP 77,000. Both the suspect and the evidence have been brought to the Tacurong CPS for proper documentation and disposition. Charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against the suspect.
PCOL Christopher Bermudez Lao, Provincial Director of Sultan Kudarat Police, commended the operating units for their relentless efforts in combating illegal drug activities. He emphasized that the operation not only curtailed the circulation of illegal drugs in the province but also disrupted their delivery to potential users, significantly contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.
“This accomplishment underscores our commitment to a drug-free Sultan Kudarat. Let this serve as a warning to those involved in illegal drug activities that we will continue to pursue and hold them accountable,” PCOL Lao stated.
