Cotabato City, April 9, 2025 — In a coordinated anti-drug operation, authorities successfully dismantled a drug den and arrested three high-value targets in Lamitan City, Basilan on Monday, April 8.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office – BARMM (PDEA RO BARMM) Basilan Provincial Office, in partnership with the Lamitan City Police Station, 18th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-Basilan, and the Philippine Coast Guard, carried out a buy-bust operation at Sitio Veterans, Barangay Maganda.
PDEA Regional Director Gil Cesario P. Castro identified the arrested suspects as Alias Ricky, 49, the alleged operator of the drug den; Alias Jong, 51; and Alias Micco, 33. All three are residents of the same barangay where the operation was conducted.
Seized during the operation were fourteen heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu,” with a total estimated weight of six grams and a street value of ₱40,800. Authorities also recovered buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, and a mobile phone.
Director Castro thanked Lamitan City Mayor Orick Furigay and other law enforcement partners for their unwavering support of PDEA’s continuing efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the region.
“This successful operation is a testament to the strong collaboration among our agencies and a step forward in our mission to create drug-free communities across the Bangsamoro region,” Castro said.
The suspects will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).