LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Authorities successfully dismantled an alleged drug den and arrested three suspected drug personalities during a coordinated anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Lamitan City, Basilan on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The operation, led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) through the PDEA Basilan Provincial Office, was carried out in Purok Noynoy, Barangay Malinis, resulting in the arrest of three individuals believed to be involved in the local illegal drug trade.
Among those apprehended was alias Andrew, 32, who was identified by authorities as the alleged maintainer of the drug den. Also arrested were alias Cholo, 38, and alias Jenrick, 21, both reported to be unemployed.
The successful buy-bust operation was conducted in coordination with the Lamitan City Police Station, the 1402nd, 1403rd, and 1404th Regional Mobile Force Battalions, as well as the 18th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, highlighting the strengthened inter-agency campaign against illegal drugs in the province.
Seized from the suspects were 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing approximately seven grams with an estimated street value of ₱47,600. Authorities also recovered a mobile phone, marked buy-bust money, identification cards, various drug paraphernalia, and other non-drug evidence that will be used in the ongoing investigation.
The dismantling of the alleged drug den marks another significant achievement in the government’s intensified campaign against the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the Bangsamoro region.
According to PDEA-BARMM, the arrested suspects will face multiple charges under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These include violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 6 (Maintenance of a Drug Den), Section 7 (Employees and Visitors of a Drug Den), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia).
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-drug operations and urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting suspicious activities related to illegal drugs.
The operation underscores the continuing determination of PDEA and its partner agencies to eliminate drug-related activities and protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal narcotics, particularly in vulnerable areas where drug dens continue to threaten public safety and security.