Camp Gallego, Tubod, Lanao del Norte – A joint buy-bust operation conducted early morning on March 21, 2025, led to the arrest of a newly identified drug suspect in Barangay Campong, Pantar, Lanao del Norte. The operation, spearheaded by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), Pantar Municipal Police Station (MPS), and Baloi MPS, was carried out at approximately 7:15 AM.
Authorities apprehended the 49-year-old male suspect, a resident of Barangay West Pantar, Pantar, after undercover operatives successfully purchased a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a suspected shabu substance, weighing approximately 0.3 grams and valued at Php 2,040.00.
Upon the suspect’s arrest, a body search led to the confiscation of various items, including drug paraphernalia, cash, and additional suspected illegal substances. Among the seized items were:
- Two Php 50.00 bills
- One improvised drug paraphernalia
- One black Samsung Smart cellular phone
- One brown Lacoste wallet
- Three identification cards belonging to the suspect
- Cash amounting to Php 3,700.00 in various denominations
- One army green Cordura sling bag
- Five Php 100.00 bills, including two marked bills used as buy-bust money
- One medium-sized rectangular sachet containing suspected shabu, weighing 3 grams with an estimated value of Php 20,440.00
The total weight of the suspected illegal drugs seized during the operation amounted to 3.3 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of Php 22,440.00.
Police conducted a physical inventory and proper markings of the confiscated evidence at the scene, witnessed by the Punong Barangay of Barangay Campong, a barangay official, and a media representative.
The suspect now faces charges for violating Section 5 (Selling of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He is currently detained at Baloi MPS for documentation and legal proceedings, while the confiscated substances have been sent to the Crime Laboratory Unit (CFU) in Iligan City for examination.
PCOL Roy A. Magsalay, Provincial Director of LDN PPO, commended the law enforcement personnel for their successful operation and reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
“This operation underscores the relentless commitment of LDN PPO in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs in the community. We assure the public that we will continue to intensify our efforts to eradicate illegal drug activities and bring offenders to justice,” he stated.
