MASIU, Lanao del Sur — A joint anti-drug operation by police and military forces led to the arrest of a suspected drug personality and the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at more than ₱90,000 on April 11, 2026, authorities reported.
Operatives of the Masiu Municipal Police Station, in coordination with Bravo Company of the 5th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, successfully apprehended a suspect identified only by the alias “Apon” during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Buadiamaloy.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of a total of 13.24 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱90,032.00.
Recovered from the suspect were two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 0.24 gram of suspected shabu, believed to be the buy-bust item, with an estimated value of ₱1,632.00. Additionally, operatives confiscated 14 more sachets containing around 13.00 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱88,400.00.
Also seized during the operation were the marked buy-bust money and several non-drug items believed to be linked to the illegal activity, including a belt bag, identification card, motorcycle, wallet, two lighters, a mobile phone, a bamboo stick used for repacking, seven empty plastic sachets, and a pair of scissors.
Police said the suspect was immediately informed of his constitutional rights upon arrest and was taken into custody at the Masiu Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Provincial Director Police Colonel Caezar P. Cabuhat of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office commended the operating units for the successful conduct of the operation. He emphasized that the accomplishment reflects the sustained and intensified campaign of law enforcement agencies against illegal drugs in the province.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal substances and ensuring the safety and security of communities across Lanao del Sur.