LANAO DEL NORTE — A high-value individual (HVI) was arrested and more than ₱2.3 million worth of suspected illegal drugs, along with a firearm and drug paraphernalia, were confiscated during a joint anti-illegal drug operation in Purok 1, Barangay Kakai Renabor, Tubod, Lanao del Norte on the evening of January 13, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 7:00 p.m. by joint operatives of the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) and Tubod Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) LDN, and the 5th Mechanized Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army.
Authorities implemented Search Warrant No. SW-25-0234 with PDEA Pre-Operations No. 11-09-01132026-049, issued by Hon. Ali Ombra R. Bacaraman, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 04, Iligan City, on January 7, 2026. The warrant was served against alias “Ham,” 33, married, a farmer, and a resident of the barangay, for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
During the lawful search, operatives recovered numerous heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated total weight of 350 grams and a Standard Drug Price (SDP) value of ₱2,380,000.
Also seized were one .45 caliber Colt pistol (serial no. 197365), one steel magazine, four live .45 caliber ammunition, an electronic weighing scale, assorted drug paraphernalia, and multiple pouches and plastic bags. The firearm was found in plain view, resulting in an additional charge for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The inventory and marking of the seized items were conducted at the place of operation in the presence of the suspect and his mother, and witnessed by a Barangay Kagawad of Poblacion, Tubod, and a media representative, in compliance with legal procedures.
Appropriate charges for violation of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of R.A. 9165, as well as R.A. 10591, are now being prepared for filing in court.
The suspect is currently under the custody of Tubod MPS for documentation and further disposition, while the seized drugs were turned over to the Lanao del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for quantitative and qualitative examination.
Police Colonel Leo de Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the operating units for the successful operation, citing their dedication in curbing illegal drugs and maintaining peace and security in the province.
“This operation sends a clear message that the Lanao del Norte Police will not relent in its campaign against illegal drugs and criminality,” Sua said.