January 15, 2025
Banga, South Cotabato – In a significant blow to illegal drug activities, a joint anti-illegal drug operation successfully apprehended three suspects in Purok 3, Barangay San Vicente, Banga, South Cotabato on January 14, 2025.
The operation was spearheaded by the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) of Banga Municipal Police Station (MPS) in collaboration with the South Cotabato Provincial Intelligence Unit (SCPIU), South Cotabato Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SCPDEU), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID12), Station Tactical Team Charlie, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and Regional Mobile Force 12 (RMF 12). The team worked closely with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12 to ensure proper coordination and execution of the mission.
The suspects were identified as:
- Alias Ken-ken (High-Value Individual), a 30-year-old male, single, and jobless, residing in Purok Rizal, Barangay Namnama, Koronadal City.
- Alias Lyn-lyn, a 25-year-old female, single, and jobless, also residing in Purok Rizal, Barangay Namnama, Koronadal City.
- Alias Toto, a 25-year-old male, married, and a driver, residing in Purok Riverside, Barangay Yangco, Banga, South Cotabato.
The operation resulted in the confiscation of significant drug-related evidence, including:
- One medium-sized rectangular heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a substance suspected to be shabu, which served as the buy-bust item.
- One genuine PHP 1,000 bill marked as buy-bust money.
- Two large-sized rectangular heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu.
- Thirty-five medium-sized rectangular heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. The total weight of the seized drugs was approximately 280 grams, with a standard drug price estimated at PHP 1,904,000.
The confiscated items were turned over to the Provincial Forensic Unit 12 in Barangay Morales, Koronadal City, for laboratory examination. Meanwhile, the suspects are under the custody of the Banga MPS for proper documentation and disposition.
Authorities emphasized that this operation is part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) ongoing commitment to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs and safeguard the welfare of the Filipino community. Law enforcement agencies vowed to intensify their efforts to dismantle drug networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
The public is encouraged to support the government’s anti-drug campaign by reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. This recent operation stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various agencies in ensuring a safer and drug-free society.