KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested three individuals during a late-night anti-drug operation in Purok G-Morillo, Barangay Sta. Cruz on February 20, 2026. The raid, conducted at around 8:00 p.m., was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency South Cotabato Provincial Office, with support from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 12, PDEA Regional Office 12 Special Enforcement Team, and the South Cotabato Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit.
Arrested during the operation were alias “Bon-Bon,” 36, a married mechanic identified by authorities as the maintainer of the drug den; alias “Maymay,” 21, reportedly working as a den employee; and Edelyn, 23, who was said to be a visitor at the time of the raid. All three are residents of Koronadal City. Law enforcers moved in after surveillance and intelligence monitoring reportedly confirmed ongoing illegal drug activities in the area.
Authorities recovered approximately 11 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱74,800, along with an improvised glass tooter containing residue, several open sachets with traces of illegal drugs, a ₱500 bill used as marked money, and an Android cellphone believed to be linked to the operation of the den. The seized items were documented as evidence following standard anti-drug enforcement procedures.
Cases for violations of Article II, Sections 5, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are set to be filed against the suspects. Authorities said the operation reflects the continuing crackdown on illegal drug activities in South Cotabato and the government’s ongoing campaign to dismantle drug networks at the community level.
The suspects are currently under the custody of PDEA Region 12 while awaiting proper disposition and the filing of formal charges in court. Law enforcement agencies reiterated their call for community cooperation, stressing that public vigilance and timely information are crucial in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs in local neighborhoods.