Cotabato City, May 21, 2025 — Authorities scored a significant victory in the government’s anti-drug campaign after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) arrested a high-value target and confiscated ₱3.8 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Cotabato City.
The operation, conducted on May 20, took place at 039 Al-Salam Street, Rosary Heights 3. It led to the arrest of a suspect identified only as Alyas Jabbar/Moktar, 41 years old, who is listed as No. 26 in the PDEA Regional Target List.
PDEA’s Maguindanao Provincial Office spearheaded the buy-bust in coordination with the Maguindanao Maritime Unit, Regional Intelligence Section, Cotabato City Police Station 1, and the Cotabato City Public Safety Office.
Authorities seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu packed in 10 heat-sealed plastic sachets with an estimated street value of ₱3.8 million. Also recovered were buy-bust money, a gray Mitsubishi Mirage vehicle, a mobile phone, financial and bank documents, and various identification cards.
The suspect is currently detained at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“This accomplishment reflects the sustained commitment of law enforcement agencies and the Local Government Unit to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and maintain peace and order in the region,” said Director Castro of PDEA BARMM.
Authorities assured that intensified anti-drug operations will continue across the region in line with the government’s broader campaign to eliminate illegal drug activities.