Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat — A barangay official and his alleged accomplice were arrested in a buy-bust operation that led to the confiscation of suspected shabu worth ₱272,000 on the evening of July 7, 2025, in Barangay Dukay.
According to the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office, joint operatives from Esperanza Municipal Police Station, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SKPDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Sultan Kudarat PDEA, Highway Patrol Team (SKPHPT), and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company carried out the anti-illegal drug operation at around 8:50 PM in Purok New Passi.
The primary target of the operation was a 47-year-old barangay kagawad of Barangay New Pangasinan, Isulan, who was listed as a high-value individual (HVI) in the region’s drug watchlist. He was arrested along with a 36-year-old male cohort identified as his handler and a resident of the same barangay.
Authorities said a poseur buyer successfully bought a small sachet of suspected shabu from the barangay official for ₱2,000, prompting the operatives to arrest the suspects.
Seized from the barangay official during a body search were:
- One small and two medium sachets of suspected shabu
- A sling bag
- One genuine ₱500 bill
- Three ₱500 boodle bills
- A wallet, assorted identification cards
- An Android cellphone (Redmi)
Meanwhile, the alleged accomplice was found in possession of:
- One medium sachet of suspected shabu
- A Motorstar 200 motorcycle bearing plate number 691 MQQ
The combined weight of the confiscated illegal drugs was approximately 40 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱272,000, based on the National Standard Drug Price.
The arrested individuals and confiscated items were brought to the Esperanza MPS for documentation and proper disposition.
Provincial Director PCOL Bernard L. Lao commended the operating units for their successful operation, calling it a significant blow to the local drug trade.
“This successful operation is a clear testament to the relentless efforts of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office in the war against illegal drugs. Our commitment is firm — we will not let drug syndicates destroy the future of our communities. We will continue to strike hard to keep every Sultan Kudarateño safe,” said PCOL Lao.
Authorities affirmed that operations against illegal drugs will persist in the province to protect communities and hold violators accountable.