LALA, Lanao del Norte (July 30, 2025) — Authorities confiscated one kilogram of suspected shabu worth approximately ₱6.8 million and arrested two suspects during a successful buy-bust operation in Purok Acacia, Barangay Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte on Tuesday evening.
The anti-drug operation was conducted at around 6:15 PM by a joint team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 10 and Region 9, the Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU10), and the Lala Municipal Police Station.
The arrested individuals were identified as Junaid Deposito, 20, and Warda Saumay, 35, both residents of Barangay Poblacion, Salvador, Lanao del Norte. Deposito is reportedly unemployed, while Saumay is said to be a businesswoman.
According to the PDEA, the suspects had earlier agreed to meet with an undercover agent along Salvador Road, where they negotiated the sale of illegal drugs for ₱900,000. The suspects, who arrived at the scene in a black minivan, were apprehended immediately after the asset successfully completed the marked purchase.
Recovered from the suspects were:
- 1 kilo of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of ₱6.8 million
- ₱900,000 in boodle money including one genuine ₱1,000 bill as marked money
- Two cellphones
- Several containers and bags
- Multiple identification cards
- Cash in various denominations
Both suspects will face charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the illegal sale of dangerous drugs.
Authorities lauded the operation as part of the continuing intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the region.