Cotabato City – A joint operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Sulu, in collaboration with various law enforcement and military agencies, resulted in the arrest of a high-value target in Barangay Tanduh Bato, Luuk, Sulu, on February 23, 2025.
Authorities recovered a white eco-bag containing a heat-sealed transparent plastic bag filled with shabu, weighing approximately one (1) kilogram and valued at ₱6,800,000. A mobile phone was also seized from the suspect.
Director Gil Cesario P. Castro identified the arrested suspect as alias Dens/Maj, a 32-year-old male from Barangay Mananti, Luuk, Sulu. Another suspect, identified as alias Dhas, managed to escape using a motorcycle. Despite an extensive hot-pursuit operation, the suspect remains at large. Both individuals face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“The coordinated efforts of the PDEA, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other supporting agencies demonstrate the strength of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs. PDEA assures the public that operations will continue to dismantle drug syndicates and maintain peace and order in the Bangsamoro region,” Director Castro stated.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the remaining suspect and are calling on the public to report any information that could aid in his capture.
