COTABATO CITY — A coordinated anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has resulted in the dismantling of a suspected drug den and the arrest of eight high-value drug personalities in Rosary Heights 10 on April 23, 2026.
Operatives from the PDEA Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, working alongside multiple police intelligence and enforcement units, carried out the buy-bust operation that targeted a residential property believed to be used as a hub for illegal drug activities. The operation was conducted in coordination with the City Mobile Force Company, City Intelligence Unit of the Cotabato City Police Office, City Intelligence Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 15, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
Authorities identified two of the arrested suspects by their aliases “Nor” and “Ode,” who were tagged as the alleged maintainers of the drug den. Six other individuals—identified as “Pots,” “Bai,” “Yam,” “King,” “Datu,” and “Esmael”—were also apprehended during the operation. All eight suspects are considered high-value targets in the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign.
Seized from the scene were 15 plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu, with a total estimated weight of 25 grams and a standard drug price of ₱170,000. Authorities also recovered two Android mobile phones believed to have been used in coordinating drug transactions, marked buy-bust money, and several identification cards.
Law enforcement officials said the successful operation underscores strengthened inter-agency collaboration in combating the illegal drug trade in the Bangsamoro region. The dismantling of the drug den is expected to significantly disrupt local drug distribution networks in the area.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged for violations of Republic Act 9165, which penalizes the sale, possession, and maintenance of facilities for illegal drugs.
Authorities vowed to sustain aggressive operations targeting drug personalities and networks, emphasizing that similar enforcement actions will continue in identified hotspots across the region.