COTABATO CITY — Authorities seized an estimated ₱102,000 worth of suspected shabu following a successful buy-bust operation that dismantled an alleged drug den in Purok Shariff, Barangay Rosary Heights 10, here on February 14, 2026.
The operation was carried out by a joint team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with various PDEA units and elements of the Philippine National Police, including the Cotabato City Police Office and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
During the operation, operatives confiscated 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with a total estimated weight of around 15 grams. Authorities also recovered several drug paraphernalia, a mobile phone, an identification card, and the marked buy-bust money used in the transaction.
Three individuals were arrested and identified only by their aliases: “Absy,” 42, who was tagged as the alleged drug den maintainer; “Ben,” 18; and “Zaido,” 40. All suspects are residents of Barangay Rosary Heights 10 in Cotabato City.
Following their arrest, the suspects were brought to the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility, where they remain under custody. They are set to undergo inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said the seized illegal drugs will be submitted for laboratory examination to confirm their composition and weight, while further investigation is underway to determine possible links to a wider drug distribution network in the area.
In a statement, law enforcement agencies reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations across the region and urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperative.
“We encourage the public to continue reporting suspicious activities in their communities. Public support is vital in our collective effort to curb illegal drugs and maintain peace and order,” officials said.
The successful operation underscores the government’s sustained campaign against illegal drugs, particularly in urban communities vulnerable to drug-related activities, as authorities vow to pursue more intelligence-driven operations in the coming months.