Wao, Lanao del Sur — Authorities successfully dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested three individuals during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Panang, Wao, Lanao del Sur, on October 3, 2025.
The joint operation, spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Lanao del Sur Provincial Office, targeted a high-value individual believed to be the operator of the illegal drug den. The operation was conducted around 1:30 p.m. and resulted in the seizure of an estimated 10 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug value of ₱68,000.
Confiscated from the suspects were one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing about five grams of suspected shabu, nine additional sachets containing another five grams, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the marked buy-bust money used during the operation.
The successful operation was carried out with the support of the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), PDEA Lanao del Sur Intelligence Unit (LTIU), PDEA Maguindanao, Wao Municipal Police Station, and the 55th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
The three suspects are now under the custody of PDEA BARMM and are facing charges for violation of Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA confirmed that all operating personnel were safe and accounted for after the mission, marking another coordinated victory in the government’s continuing fight against illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro region.