Authorities seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu worth about ₱1.5 million and arrested five individuals during a buy-bust operation in the municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte early Saturday morning, March 14.
The anti-drug operation was carried out at around 2:35 a.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Kakai Renabor, where law enforcement operatives apprehended the suspects allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
The operation was conducted through a joint effort led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 10, with support from several law enforcement units. These included the PDEA Regional Office 10 – Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, PDEA Regional Office 10 – Misamis Occidental Provincial Office, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 10 (PNP-DEG SOU 10), the Naval Intelligence and Security Group – Western Mindanao (NISG-WM), and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10 (RIU-10).
Authorities recovered eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu. The confiscated illegal drugs were estimated to have a street value of ₱1.5 million, while authorities pegged the standard drug value at approximately ₱3.4 million.
Also seized during the operation were ₱1.5 million worth of boodle money used as buy-bust money, topped with a genuine ₱1,000 bill. Other items recovered included a yellow plastic cellophane, a brown paper bag, and ₱2,650 in cash in various denominations.
The suspects were identified as Jhasmin Pido, 44; Sisil Ampoan, 41; Patrick Daryl Fernandez, 30; Abdul Jabar Bocowa, 20; and Pat Lamama, 30. Authorities said most of the suspects are residents of Barangay Kakai Renabor in Tubod, while one of them is reportedly from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The arrested individuals are set to face charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale and distribution of illegal drugs.
Authorities said the suspects, along with the confiscated pieces of evidence, are now under proper custody for documentation and case filing. Investigators are also conducting further probe to determine whether the group has links to a wider illegal drug network operating in the region.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and maintain peace and order in Northern Mindanao.