LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — A coordinated anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the dismantling of a drug den and the arrest of three high-value drug personalities in Sitio San Isidro, Barangay Kulaybato on April 18, 2026.
The operation was spearheaded by the PDEA Basilan Provincial Office, in close coordination with multiple law enforcement and military units, including the 1403rd and 1404th Regional Mobile Force Battalions of Police Regional Office 14-B, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 18th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. Authorities underscored that the successful operation reflects intensified inter-agency cooperation in the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
Arrested during the buy-bust were individuals identified only by their aliases: “Kenji” and “Toto,” both 26 years old; “Charlie,” 30, married; and “Anghelisa,” 23, also married. Law enforcement authorities classified the suspects as high-value targets due to their alleged involvement in the local drug trade.
Confiscated from the suspects were thirteen heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with a total weight of approximately six grams and an estimated street value of Php 40,800. Also recovered during the operation were two Android cellular phones, marked buy-bust money, and various drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in the operation of the drug den.
Authorities confirmed that the suspects will face multiple charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These include Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs), 6 (maintenance of a drug den), 7 (visiting a drug den), 11 (possession of dangerous drugs), and 12 (possession of drug paraphernalia).
Officials emphasized that operations like this are part of sustained efforts to curb illegal drug activities in Basilan, particularly in communities identified as hotspots. They also reiterated their commitment to pursue high-value individuals and dismantle organized drug networks to ensure safer communities.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine possible links of the arrested individuals to larger drug syndicates operating in the region.