ILIGAN CITY, Philippines — Authorities seized an estimated ₱5.4 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a married couple during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regions 9 and 10 at the parking area of a mall in the city on Tuesday noon, March 17, 2026.
Operatives identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases “Mohamad” and “Maimana,” who were caught in possession of eight large packages of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) weighing approximately 800 grams.
According to authorities, the anti-drug operation was carried out after intelligence monitoring indicated that the suspects were involved in the illegal drug trade. Undercover agents successfully completed the transaction with the suspects at the mall’s parking area, prompting operatives to immediately move in and effect their arrest.
The confiscated illegal drugs have an estimated street value of ₱5,440,000, based on current valuation by law enforcement.
Following their arrest, the couple was brought to the PDEA Regional Office in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, where they will undergo drug testing and further investigative procedures. Authorities said the suspects will later be returned to Iligan City to face inquest proceedings for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
Suspect Escapes During Operation
Meanwhile, authorities are still pursuing another suspect who managed to escape during the operation.
Investigators said the fleeing suspect was driving a brown Suzuki Ertiga that sped away from the buy-bust area at the mall. During the attempt to flee, the vehicle reportedly collided with several other vehicles while heading toward 1st East Rosario Heights in Tubod, Iligan City.
The vehicle was later found abandoned along the roadside after the suspect fled on foot.
Joint teams from PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP) immediately launched a manhunt operation and are now reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area to identify and track down the escapee.
Authorities said the ongoing investigation aims to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in the local illegal drug network and identify other individuals possibly linked to the operation.
The seizure forms part of the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign aimed at dismantling drug distribution networks operating in Northern Mindanao and nearby regions.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities related to illegal drugs.