LALA, Lanao del Norte – Authorities arrested two alleged high-value drug personalities and seized over P2.5 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Maranding on Saturday afternoon, July 12.
The joint anti-drug operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET) of Region 9, in coordination with the PDEA Zamboanga del Sur, PDEA Lanao del Norte, PDEA Misamis Occidental, and the Lala Municipal Police Station.
The suspects, identified by their aliases “Abdullah,” 38, a palay vendor, and “Jen-je,” 29, an unemployed woman, were both residents of the area and tagged as High-Value Targets (HVTs). Both are reportedly college graduates.
Operatives seized approximately 375 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P2,550,000. The illegal drugs were packed in several transparent plastic containers.
In addition to the drugs, authorities confiscated boodle money topped with a genuine P1,000 bill used as marked buy-bust money, a Honda Click 125 motorcycle, two mobile phones, a professional driver’s license, and various drug paraphernalia including eco bags and plastic containers.
The suspects will be charged with violating Section 5 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which prohibits the illegal sale and distribution of dangerous drugs.
PDEA officials commended the cooperation among different regional offices and local police, saying the arrest underscores the continuing efforts to dismantle drug networks operating in Northern Mindanao.