ILIGAN CITY — Authorities arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized ₱2.72 million worth of suspected shabu during a joint buy-bust operation conducted at an inn in Barangay Palao, Iligan City on Thursday, August 1.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Muck’s,” a 45-year-old resident of Barangay Tibanga, was apprehended by joint operatives from the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Iligan City Police Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-10 Iligan Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU-ICPO), and Intel operatives of Police Station 5.
The suspect was reportedly previously arrested for a similar drug offense and is believed to be linked to a family-based drug group operating in Lanao del Sur. Intelligence reports indicate that his supply source originates from Lanao del Sur, with his illegal drug distribution network extending to Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, and other parts of Lanao del Sur.
Seized during the operation were 400 grams of suspected shabu contained in four knot-tied and seven heat-sealed sachets, with an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱2,720,000. Also recovered were a black handbag, a weighing scale, a mobile phone, a wallet, a disposable lighter, and a ₱1,000 bill used as marked money during the buy-bust.
The suspect is now detained at Police Station 5 while charges are being prepared against him for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, praised the successful operation and the coordinated efforts of the law enforcement units involved.
“This arrest demonstrates our relentless campaign against illegal drugs and our commitment to rid Northern Mindanao of drug personalities who continue to destroy lives and communities. I commend the efforts of CDEU ICPO and other operating units involved, which led to this successful operation,” Suguilon said.