Cotabato City — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested four alleged drug personalities during a buy-bust operation conducted on February 25, 2026 in the vicinity of Barangay Bagua 3, officials said.
The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – BARMM Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, with support from the PDEA Regional Office BARMM – Land Interdiction Unit and the PDEA BARMM – Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Office. Several law enforcement units also joined the coordinated effort, including the Philippine National Police Maguindanao Maritime Group, Cotabato City Police Office’s City Intelligence Unit, City Mobile Force Company, City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, the 1404th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit – PNP BARMM, Cotabato City Police Station 1, and the Cotabato City Public Safety Office.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in illegal drug activities and the dismantling of a suspected drug den operating in the area.
Confiscated during the operation were nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 12 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱81,600. Also recovered were a mobile phone, assorted drug paraphernalia, an identification card, and the marked buy-bust money used in the operation.
The suspects were identified only by their aliases: “Gale” or “Gail,” a 50-year-old woman believed to be the alleged drug den maintainer; “Nhe,” a 32-year-old woman; “Liit,” an 18-year-old man; and “Tha,” a 40-year-old man.
During the operation, another suspect identified as “Mala” reportedly fired a small-caliber firearm at the operating team while attempting to escape. Authorities returned fire, but the suspect managed to flee the area. A hot pursuit operation was immediately launched, but the suspect remained at large as of the latest report.
Officials said the arrested suspects will face charges for violations of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said the operation underscores the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies in the Bangsamoro region to crack down on illegal drug operations and dismantle networks operating within communities.