Malapatan, Sarangani Province – A high-value target was arrested in a successful anti-illegal drug operation conducted late at night on February 24, 2025. The operation, carried out at around 11:25 PM in Purok Luan, Barangay Lun Masla, was a joint effort by the Malapatan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Sarangani Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SPPO-PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO-PIU), 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) SARGEN, and PDEA Sarangani-SIU.
The suspect, identified as alias “Jolas,” a 40-year-old married resident of Purok Hussein, Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation. Undercover operatives successfully purchased a small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, weighing approximately 0.2 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱1,360.00.
Further searches led to the recovery of four large heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a total of 30.02 grams of suspected shabu, valued at approximately ₱205,360.00. Additionally, authorities confiscated the marked buy-bust money, which included a ₱1,000 bill, and a .38 caliber revolver without ammunition and serial number.
The inventory of evidence was conducted at the scene, witnessed by a Barangay Kagawad and a media representative, in accordance with legal procedures. The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood before being taken into custody at the Malapatan MPS for further processing.
The seized illegal substances have been turned over to the Sarangani Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative examination. Authorities are preparing to file charges against the suspect for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution 11067, which enforces the gun ban.
This operation highlights the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies in Sarangani Province to combat illegal drugs and criminal activities, ensuring public safety and security in the region.
