ILIGAN CITY — A suspected drug pusher was arrested in a tightly coordinated buy-bust operation in Barangay Hinaplanon on Thursday afternoon, as authorities continue to intensify their campaign against illegal narcotics in Northern Mindanao.
The sting was carried out around 3:30 p.m. on November 14, 2025, by the PDEA Regional Office 9 Special Enforcement Team, with support from the PDEA RO9 Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office, PDEA RO10 Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, the Iligan City Police Office, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10.
Authorities arrested alias “John,” 33, a construction worker and resident of Upper Hinaplanon. Confiscated from him was a heat-sealed sachet containing roughly 50 grams of suspected shabu, valued at ₱340,000 based on standard Dangerous Drugs Board estimates. Also seized were the marked money used in the operation and several non-drug items.
However, two of the suspect’s alleged cohorts—identified only as alias “Tapa” and alias “Oraq”—managed to escape aboard a red Toyota Innova just as the operation unfolded. A hot pursuit operation has since been launched to track down the fleeing suspects.
The arrested individual is set to face charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities reaffirmed that operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks operating within Iligan City and neighboring provinces.