Authorities intercepted suspected drug couriers and confiscated nearly half a million pesos worth of illegal drugs during an anti-illegal drugs operation conducted in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.
Personnel of the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station, led by Police Captain Oriel A. Siangco, Chief of Police, carried out the operation in coordination with troops from the 38th Infantry Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three male suspects identified only through their aliases “Hassan,” “Kahar,” and “Bolao,” all of legal age. The suspects were intercepted while aboard a Mitsubishi Xpander allegedly being used to transport illegal drugs in the area.
Authorities recovered approximately 68.7 grams of suspected shabu from the possession of the suspects. The confiscated illegal drugs have an estimated street value of PHP 467,160.00, based on prevailing valuation by law enforcement authorities.
Police said the successful operation highlights the intensified collaboration between the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs in Maguindanao del Sur and nearby areas.
The arrested suspects and the seized evidence are now under the custody of the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal procedures.
Appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspects.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-drug operations aimed at dismantling illegal drug networks and protecting communities from the harmful effects of narcotics.