TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Authorities successfully dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested four individuals in a joint anti-drug operation conducted on the evening of April 5, 2026, in Barangay EJC Montilla.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office XII (PDEA RO12), through its Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office, led the buy-bust operation in coordination with the Philippine National Police Tacurong City Police Station. The operation was carried out at around 8:30 p.m. in Purok Riverside, resulting in the dismantling of an alleged drug den operating within the community.
Arrested during the operation were four suspected drug personalities identified by their aliases: “Jorlyn,” tagged as the drug den maintainer; “Cherry,” believed to be an employee of the den; and “Richard” and “Noemy,” who were reportedly present as visitors. All suspects are residents of Barangay EJC Montilla.
Authorities confiscated a total of 17 sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately 18 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of Php 122,400. Also recovered at the scene were a marked Php1,000 bill used in the buy-bust transaction, an Android mobile phone, and assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities inside the den.
Law enforcement officials said the successful operation underscores intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal drug operations at the community level, particularly the proliferation of drug dens that serve as hubs for both distribution and use of prohibited substances.
The suspects are currently under police custody and are set to face charges for violations of Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities reiterated their call for continued public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that community involvement remains crucial in sustaining the government’s anti-drug campaign.