Authorities seized more than P20 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two alleged high-value drug personalities during a buy-bust operation conducted early Monday in Picong.
Police identified the arrested suspects as Ben Buisan, also known as “Ben,” 55, a businessman and resident of General Trias, and Marki Guiani, 46, a businessman from Talitay. Both were classified as high-value individuals (HVIs) in the government’s anti-drug campaign.
According to the Philippine National Police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the suspects were arrested at around 7:00 a.m. Monday in Barangay Maladig after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover police operative.
The operation was carried out by a joint team composed of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC) of Lanao del Sur, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group in BARMM, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in BARMM, personnel of the Picong Municipal Police Station, and the 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Company of RMFB-14A.
During the operation, authorities confiscated approximately 3,000 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P20,767,200.
Police said the suspects were caught in the act of selling illegal drugs to the poseur-buyer, prompting officers to immediately move in and place them under arrest.
The seized illegal drugs were properly documented and will be submitted for laboratory examination as evidence in the case.
The two suspects are now under police custody and are expected to face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said the successful operation underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in the Bangsamoro region to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and dismantle networks involved in drug trafficking.