Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte — Two individuals suspected of drug peddling were apprehended by the Matanog Municipal Police Station (MPS) during a checkpoint operation on May 27, 2025, in Barangay Bugasan Sur.
The operation was swiftly launched following a tip from a concerned citizen. Authorities set up a checkpoint in Poblacion Teba, where they intercepted a black and red Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle with a sidecar carrying the two suspects.
Upon inspection, police recovered one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing approximately 0.05 gram of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), valued at around PHP 340. The illegal substance was concealed inside an empty junk food wrapper labeled “inihaw na bangus.”
In addition to the suspected drugs, authorities also seized a brown wallet containing five identification cards, five empty plastic sachets, and a PHP 100 bill.
The suspects were immediately taken into custody and brought to the Matanog MPS for proper documentation and booking procedures. They are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police emphasized that the operation reflects their continued commitment to curbing illegal drug activities in the area.