KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — A 26-year-old suspected drug personality was arrested after authorities seized more than ₱192,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted Wednesday afternoon, March 11, in Upper Mundog Subdivision, Barangay Poblacion here.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 (PDEA RO12) led the anti-drug operation at around 5:01 p.m., targeting a street-level drug suspect identified only by the alias “Amrodin.”
The operation was carried out by the PDEA Cotabato Provincial Office, with support from personnel of the Kidapawan City Police Office and the Cotabato Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in a coordinated effort to curb illegal drug activities in the city.
Authorities identified the suspect as a married resident of Habitat, Barangay Sudapin, Kidapawan City, who reportedly earns a living through scrap metal and bottle trading. Law enforcement agents classified him as a Street-Level Individual (SLI) allegedly involved in the local illegal drug trade.
During the operation, the poseur-buyer successfully purchased a sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, from the suspect, prompting operatives to immediately move in and arrest him.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession were seven heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with a combined weight of 28.25 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱192,100. One of the sachets was the item sold to the undercover operative during the transaction.
Authorities said the confiscated substances were properly inventoried and documented at the scene in the presence of required witnesses before being submitted for laboratory examination.
The suspect is now under the custody of authorities and is set to face charges for violation of Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA officials reiterated their call for the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected illegal drug activities in their communities, stressing that sustained community support is crucial in the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.