Cotabato City—A drug den operating in Purok 7, Rosary Heights 9, Cotabato City, was successfully dismantled following a joint operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Special Enforcement Team, Marine Battalion Landing Team 5, and the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-PROBAR. The operation, coordinated with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A and Police Station 2-Cotabato City Police Office, took place on March 26, 2025.
PDEA BARMM Regional Director Gil Cesario P. Castro identified the arrested individuals as:
- Alyas Boyet (30 years old, male) – the alleged drug den maintainer
- Alyas Toto (43 years old, male)
- Alyas Tahir (40 years old, male)
- Alyas Musa (40 years old, male, married)
Authorities confirmed that Alyas Toto had previous violations related to illegal drug activities in 2023.
The arrested individuals are currently detained at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility, awaiting inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Law enforcers seized twenty-two (22) pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with an estimated total weight of 15 grams and a street value of approximately ₱102,000. Other confiscated items included buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, and two mobile phones.
The successful operation highlights PDEA’s ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal drug activities in the city. The agency continues to urge the public to report any drug-related activities to authorities to promote safer communities.