COTABATO CITY — A joint anti-drug operation by government authorities resulted in the arrest of a Regional Target List (RTL) personality and the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs worth more than ₱170,000 in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), carried out the buy-bust operation targeting a suspect identified only by the alias “Charlie,” 49 years old.
The operation was spearheaded by the PDEA Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office and its Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), with support from the PNP Provincial Intelligence Team of Maguindanao del Norte and the Regional Intelligence Unit 15.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is listed under the Regional Target List, indicating his alleged involvement in illegal drug activities in the area. His arrest is seen as part of intensified efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro region.
Seized from the suspect were sixteen (16) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 26 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱176,800. Also recovered during the operation were marked buy-bust money, assorted drug paraphernalia, an identification card, and an Android mobile phone believed to have been used in facilitating illegal drug transactions.
The suspect is currently detained at the PDEA-BARMM Jail Facility and is awaiting inquest proceedings. He is expected to face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustain aggressive anti-drug operations across the region, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination in dismantling drug networks and bringing high-value targets to justice.