KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines — A high-value target in the illegal drug trade was arrested in a successful early morning buy-bust operation conducted by joint law enforcement units in Barangay Magsaysay, Kidapawan City, on Monday, July 28.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Lalay,” is a 41-year-old jobless male resident of Barangay Rosary Heights 2, Cotabato City. He was apprehended at around 4:21 AM by operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12 (RPDEU-12), led by PMAJ Dave B. Abarra, in coordination with the Kidapawan City Police Station, Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 12.
Seized from the suspect were approximately 39.5 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱268,600.00. Authorities also recovered the marked ₱1,000 bill used during the transaction.
The suspect is currently detained at the Kidapawan City Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente lauded the operating teams for their swift and coordinated action.
“This accomplishment highlights our continuous and intensified efforts to cleanse our communities of drug personalities. Let this be a strong warning to those who persist in illegal drug activities—your days are numbered,” Ardiente said in a statement.
Authorities vowed to sustain their operations against drug syndicates and street-level peddlers as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and community well-being across the region.