SURALLAH, South Cotabato – A drug suspect was arrested and illegal drugs worth ₱102,000 were confiscated during a joint anti-drug and anti-criminality operation conducted on July 18, 2025, in Surallah, South Cotabato, according to the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12).
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Rod,” a 56-year-old resident of the municipality, was apprehended after authorities served a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation was carried out by combined personnel from the Surallah Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12.
The search led to the recovery of six sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 15 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱102,000. Also confiscated were one caliber .38 revolver loaded with six live rounds, one improvised firearm known locally as a “sumpac,” one live 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, two improvised tooters, a disposable lighter, and a digital weighing scale.
“The seizure of firearms alongside illegal drugs underscores the threat posed by armed individuals involved in the drug trade. This highlights the link between illegal drugs and criminal violence,” said Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12.
The suspect is now under the custody of the Surallah MPS for proper documentation and legal processing. All seized items will be turned over to the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit for drug analysis and ballistic examination.
Authorities emphasized that this operation is part of PRO 12’s continuing efforts to dismantle drug networks and reduce crime in the region.