MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — Authorities arrested four alleged drug personalities in a decisive buy-bust operation conducted by the Marantao Municipal Police Station (MPS) together with the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) on Thursday, December 5, in Barangay Maul Ilian.
The suspects—identified only by their aliases “Salma,” “Cairo,” “Ash,” and “Oding,” all of legal age—were tagged as street-level individuals (SLIs) engaged in the illegal drug trade. They were cornered by operatives after reportedly transacting with an undercover police officer.
Seized from the suspects were 17 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 2.8 grams, with an estimated market value of ₱19,040, along with one ₱500 buy-bust bill and two improvised glass tubes believed to be used for drug consumption.
The four were immediately brought to the Marantao MPS for documentation, booking, and the filing of appropriate charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat lauded the operating teams, emphasizing that the operation demonstrates the police’s unrelenting commitment to dismantling illegal drug networks in the province.
“This successful arrest reaffirms LDS PPO’s dedication to keeping our communities safe, drug-free, and secure,” Cabuhat said.
Authorities vowed to intensify their operations as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activities across Lanao del Sur.