LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — A 20-year-old man was arrested while allegedly carrying more than ₱510,000 worth of suspected shabu during a checkpoint operation conducted by authorities on Thursday afternoon, May 21, in Barangay Tinumigues.
The suspect, identified by police as “alias Ernie,” a jobless resident of Barangay Bulod, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, was apprehended along with two minors who were riding with him on a motorcycle. The minors were identified only as “alias Pikit” and “alias Datu Al.”
Based on reports from the Lambayong Municipal Police Station and the 1st Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SKPMFC), RMFB 12, the incident occurred at around 2:20 p.m. along the national highway in Purok Kaunlaran, Barangay Tinumigues, when operatives flagged down a black Bajaj 125 motorcycle with plate number M811GD.
Instead of complying with the checkpoint inspection, the driver allegedly sped off, prompting a brief chase by law enforcement officers. The suspects were eventually cornered and arrested for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code or resistance and disobedience to a person in authority.
During a subsequent body search, authorities reportedly recovered a black sling bag in the possession of the suspect containing two large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets suspected to contain shabu. The estimated weight of the illegal drugs was placed at around 75 grams, with a standard drug price of approximately ₱510,000.
The motorcycle used by the suspects was also confiscated as part of the operation.
Police immediately conducted on-site marking and inventory of the seized evidence in the presence of barangay officials and media representatives to ensure transparency and proper documentation of the operation.
Meanwhile, the two minors who were with the suspect were turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk for appropriate intervention and safeguarding procedures, in accordance with child protection protocols.
Authorities said the arrested suspect is now facing charges related to illegal drug possession as investigations continue to determine the origin of the suspected contraband and possible connections to drug trafficking activities in the area.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their intensified checkpoint and anti-drug operations across Sultan Kudarat as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal drugs in the region.