Polomolok, South Cotabato — A high-value drug suspect was arrested and over Php 7.1 million worth of suspected shabu was seized during a buy-bust operation conducted in the early hours of June 13, 2025, in this municipality, authorities reported.
The operation, which took place around 12:58 AM, was spearheaded by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU-12) under the leadership of PMAJ Dave B. Abarra. It was conducted in coordination with RIU12 PIT South Cotabato, RID12 Team Charlie, PDEG SOU12, and the Polomolok Municipal Police Station, with support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12.
The arrested suspect, identified by the alias “Victor,” is a 31-year-old jobless male resident of Maguindanao del Norte in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Authorities said he is considered a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the illegal drug trade.
Seized from Victor were 21 sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 1,050 grams with an estimated street value of Php 7,140,000.00. Among the confiscated items were one sachet used as the subject of sale, 20 more sachets of suspected drugs, a black sling bag, an Android phone, Php 500 in cash, and the buy-bust money amounting to Php 60,000.00 — composed of one genuine Php 1,000 bill and 59 counterfeit bills of the same denomination.
All recovered items were inventoried and marked at the scene in the presence of the suspect. The process was witnessed by a media representative and a barangay official from Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok. The confiscated substances are now under the custody of the investigator-on-case and will undergo laboratory testing at the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit.
The suspect is temporarily detained at the Polomolok Municipal Police Station as authorities prepare to file charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, lauded the operating units and partner agencies for their coordinated efforts.
“This operation sends a strong message to those who continue to poison our communities with illegal drugs — your days are numbered,” he stated.
Authorities assured that operations against illegal drugs will continue to intensify across Region 12.