WAO, Lanao del Sur — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested five individuals, including a minor, during a successful anti-illegal drug operation in Purok 3, Barangay Panang, Wao, Lanao del Sur on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The operation, which stemmed from validated intelligence reports and sustained surveillance of illegal drug activities in the area, targeted a suspected drug personality identified only by the alias “Terly” and his associates. The coordinated buy-bust operation resulted in the arrest of four adult suspects and one minor believed to be involved in the illegal drug trade.
The joint operation was conducted by personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Lanao del Sur Provincial Office, PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), and LTIU, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) SOU BAR, the 55th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the Wao Municipal Police Station.
Authorities recovered approximately 70 grams of suspected shabu during the operation, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of Php 476,000.
Seized evidence included one sachet containing approximately five grams of suspected shabu used in the actual buy-bust transaction, 23 additional sachets containing around 15 grams of the illegal substance, and one larger sachet weighing approximately 50 grams. Drug enforcement operatives also confiscated assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in the packaging and consumption of illegal drugs, as well as the marked money utilized during the operation.
Law enforcement officials said the successful operation not only led to the arrest of the suspects but also effectively dismantled a suspected drug den that had allegedly been operating in the area.
Following the operation, the arrested suspects and all recovered evidence were turned over to PDEA BAR for proper documentation, inventory, and case build-up. Authorities are preparing charges against the adult suspects for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, in accordance with child protection protocols, the minor apprehended during the operation was referred to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Wao for proper custody, assessment, and intervention.
The involvement of a minor in the operation has raised concerns among authorities, highlighting the continuing challenge posed by illegal drug syndicates that allegedly exploit vulnerable individuals, including young people, in their illicit activities.
Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Director Caezar P. Cabuhat commended the operating units for the successful conduct of the operation, emphasizing the importance of strong inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts in combating the illegal drug trade.
Cabuhat said the operation demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to intensify anti-drug campaigns and protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal narcotics.
Authorities vowed to continue pursuing drug personalities and dismantling illegal drug networks across Lanao del Sur as part of the government’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs and criminality.