BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — Authorities seized more than ₱80 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested two suspects, including a Malaysian national, during a buy-bust operation conducted early Monday morning in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The operation was jointly carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Tawi-Tawi and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4, resulting in the arrest of one foreign national and one resident of Tawi-Tawi.
According to Abraham S. Kalim, Provincial Officer of PDEA Tawi-Tawi, operatives confiscated a total of 135 packs of dried marijuana and 50 packs of kush, all vacuum-sealed and prepared for distribution. The seized drugs have an estimated market value of more than ₱80 million, marking one of the biggest drug hauls in the province in recent years.
Initial investigation revealed that the illegal drugs were smuggled from Lahad Datu, Malaysia, and transported into the country using a speedboat. Authorities believe the shipment was intended for distribution to various parts of the Philippines, underscoring Tawi-Tawi’s vulnerability as a transshipment point due to its proximity to international borders.
Following proper marking and inventory procedures, the seized marijuana and kush were turned over to PDEA custody. The suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA officials said the successful operation highlights the agency’s intensified efforts to curb cross-border drug trafficking in the southern Philippines, particularly in coastal and island provinces.
Authorities assured the public that coordination among law enforcement and military units will be further strengthened to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country and dismantle international drug smuggling networks operating in the region.