Cotabato City – Drug Enforcement Officers from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Sulu Provincial Office successfully seized ₱340,000 worth of shabu and arrested a high-value target in a drug operation conducted at the vicinity of NT Gasoline Station in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu, on February 10, 2025.
The arrested suspect, identified as Alyas Pans, 24, a resident of Barangay Asturias, Jolo, Sulu, is now facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. During the operation, authorities also rescued a minor, who has since been turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) office for proper care and rehabilitation.
Director Castro of PDEA underscored the importance of protecting minors from the influence of illegal drugs, stating, “Rescuing a minor during a drug operation highlights the ongoing importance of our vigilance and commitment to protecting children and minors from falling victim to illegal drug-related activities.”
Confiscated from the suspect were a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) with an estimated street value of ₱340,000, buy-bust money, a mobile phone, a yellow-black backpack, and an orange Yamaha Mio motorcycle.
The successful operation was carried out with the active support of various law enforcement agencies, including the Sulu Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit (SPPO PIU), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NICA BARMM), Talipao Municipal Police Station, Patikul Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Unit IX (RIU IX), 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group IX (CIDG IX), and the Philippine National Police 54th Special Action Company, 5th Special Action Battalion Special Action Force (PNP 54th SAC, 5th SAB, SAF).
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations across the province and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any illegal drug-related activities to help ensure a safer community.
