CAMP GALLEGO, Tubod, Lanao del Norte — Authorities arrested two suspected drug personalities and confiscated a combined ₱47,600 worth of suspected shabu in two separate buy-bust operations conducted late Tuesday night, February 24, 2026, in the municipalities of Baroy and Lala.
The operations were carried out by joint police and anti-drug operatives in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency as part of intensified efforts to curb illegal drug activities in the province.
First Operation: Arrest in Baroy
At around 7:57 PM, operatives from the Baroy Municipal Police Station, together with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, the 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, the 1005th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, the Regional Intelligence Unit 10 LDN PIT, and PDEA Regional Office 10 conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok 4, Barangay Pange, Baroy.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect identified only as alias “Nick,” 41, single, unemployed, and a resident of the same barangay.
During the transaction, a poseur-buyer successfully purchased one heat-sealed plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu weighing about 0.072 grams with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) value of ₱489.60.
A subsequent body search led to the recovery of eight additional sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 2.928 grams with an SDP value of ₱19,910.40. Authorities also confiscated a pink and white headset case, a green sling bag, and the marked ₱200 bill used in the buy-bust operation.
In total, about 3 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱20,400 were seized during the operation.
The inventory, marking, and tagging of the evidence were conducted at the place of arrest in the presence of the suspect, a barangay official, and a media representative to ensure transparency.
Second Operation: Drug Personality Nabbed in Lala
Later that night, at about 9:50 PM, another buy-bust operation was conducted in Purok 1, Badac, Lanipao, Lala by operatives of the Lanao del Norte Police Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Lanao del Norte Police Intelligence Unit, Lala Municipal Police Station, and the 1005th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10.
The operation led to the arrest of alias “Bolanto,” 52, a married farmer and resident of the area.
An undercover operative purchased one sachet of suspected shabu weighing about 0.18 grams with an SDP value of ₱1,224. Following the arrest, authorities recovered additional suspected illegal drugs and paraphernalia, including a medium-sized sachet weighing about 3.46 grams valued at ₱23,528 and two small sachets weighing 0.36 gram with a value of ₱2,448.
Other items seized included an unsealed sachet containing suspected shabu residue, empty plastic sachets, two medicine vials, coin purses, disposable lighters, ₱212 in cash, and the marked ₱500 buy-bust money.
In total, around 4 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱27,200 were confiscated during the Lala operation.
The marking and documentation of the seized items were conducted in the presence of the suspect, a barangay official, and a media representative, in accordance with standard procedures.
Charges and Custody
Authorities said cases for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against alias “Nick.” Meanwhile, alias “Bolanto” will face charges under Sections 5, 11, and 12 of the same law for the sale and possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both suspects are now under police custody for documentation and proper legal disposition, while the confiscated drug evidence has been turned over to the Lanao del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.
PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, commended the operating units for their coordinated efforts and dedication in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs in the province. He emphasized that sustained intelligence-driven operations remain crucial in dismantling local drug networks and maintaining peace and order in communities across Lanao del Norte.