COTABATO CITY — Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with partner law enforcement units, arrested two drug suspects in a successful buy-bust operation along Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City, on Thursday, November 7, 2025.
The anti-drug operation led to the apprehension of two individuals identified only by their aliases as “Mimi,” 43, a farmer, and “Magui,” 39. Both suspects are currently detained at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility pending inquest proceedings for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities seized five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 250 grams of suspected shabu, valued at ₱1.7 million, from the suspects. Also recovered during the operation were two Android mobile phones believed to contain vital transaction details, and the buy-bust money used in the sting.
According to PDEA, the operation was part of its intensified campaign against illegal drug trade in Cotabato City and the surrounding areas of Maguindanao del Norte.
Both suspects will face charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) under RA 9165, a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment.
The successful operation underscores the continued collaboration between PDEA and local law enforcement agencies in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).