MAASIM, Sarangani Province — Authorities arrested two alleged high-value drug personalities and confiscated more than ₱1 million worth of suspected shabu during a successful anti-drug operation conducted in Maasim, Sarangani Province on Friday, June 5.
The operation was jointly carried out by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 (PDEA RO 12) Regional Special Enforcement Team, PDEA RO 12 Sarangani–General Santos, the Maasim Municipal Police Station, and the Regional Intelligence Division 12 in Sitio Mangelen, Barangay Kamanga.
Arrested during the buy-bust operation were two suspects identified only by their aliases, “Ebrahim,” 43, and “Tuno,” 46, both married and residents of Barangay Muti in Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur. Authorities identified Tuno as a tricycle driver.
According to PDEA, the suspects were classified as high-value targets in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs in Region 12.
Recovered from the suspects were three medium-sized plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated total weight of 150 grams. The confiscated illegal drugs have an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of approximately ₱1,020,000.
Also seized during the operation were a ₱1,000 marked buy-bust bill placed on top of boodle money, a cellular phone, a BDO savings card, and a BPI debit card believed to be connected to the suspects’ alleged illegal drug activities.
The arrested individuals were immediately taken into custody by the PDEA RO 12 Regional Special Enforcement Team for proper documentation, inventory, and further investigation.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspects for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Section 5 pertains to the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers the illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
The successful operation underscores the continuing collaboration between PDEA and law enforcement agencies in dismantling drug networks and preventing the proliferation of illegal drugs in communities across the Soccsksargen Region.
PDEA officials reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-drug operations against drug traffickers and other personalities involved in the illegal drug trade, while urging the public to remain vigilant and support government efforts by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
The seized drug evidence will undergo laboratory examination, while the suspects remain under government custody pending the filing of criminal charges before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.