Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat – A joint anti-narcotics operation led to the arrest of a job order employee of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Esperanza on the evening of January 21, 2025. The operation was carried out at 8:20 PM in Purok Nara, Barangay Numo, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
The suspect, identified as Alias “Blue Boy,” is a 37-year-old male utility worker residing in the same barangay. Authorities revealed that he was previously tagged as a drug personality in 2023 but failed to complete his rehabilitation program. Allegedly, he has been supplying illegal drugs to various locations in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.
During the operation, law enforcement agents seized five sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of Php 34,000, along with marked buy-bust money.
The successful operation was conducted by a joint team comprising the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office, the Esperanza Municipal Police Station, the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 1202nd Regional Mobile Force Company 12 3rd Platoon.
The suspect will face charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He is currently in the custody of authorities while awaiting formal legal proceedings.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug campaigns in the region to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and ensure the safety of the community.