COTABATO CITY — A buy-bust operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) led to the dismantling of a suspected drug den and the arrest of three individuals in Barangay Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on October 13, 2025.
The PDEA-BARMM Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), with the support of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Office and in coordination with the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station, conducted the successful operation that targeted a known drug den in the area.
Seized during the operation were 15 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing around five grams, valued at approximately ₱34,000. Also confiscated were two mobile phones, assorted drug paraphernalia, and marked buy-bust money.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as Yanyan/Poupoy (23), alleged drug den maintainer; Shiela (35); and Angelito (28) — all residents of Barangay Salimbao.
The suspects are now detained and will face charges for violating Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA-BARMM reaffirmed its commitment to intensify anti-drug operations across the region as part of its continued campaign to eradicate illegal drugs and dismantle local drug networks operating within BARMM communities.