COTABATO CITY — Authorities arrested two alleged drug personalities listed in the Regional Target List (RTL) and confiscated more than P200,000 worth of suspected shabu during a coordinated anti-illegal drug operation in Cotabato City, officials said.
The successful buy-bust operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office in the vicinity of Barangay Poblacion IX, Cotabato City, with support from multiple law enforcement and intelligence units operating in the Bangsamoro region.
Arrested during the operation were suspects identified only by their aliases “Rajib” or “Raj” and “Majid” or “Madjed,” both reportedly included in the Regional Target List due to their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
Authorities said the operation culminated in the seizure of six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 30 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P204,000.
In addition to the illegal drugs, law enforcement operatives also recovered a caliber .22 rifle with a magazine, a pistol with a magazine, assorted live ammunition, various financial documents believed to be linked to the suspects’ activities, two mobile phones, and several identification cards.
The operation was carried out through the combined efforts of PDEA and several partner agencies, including the PNP Maritime Group, City Intelligence Team (CIT) of Regional Intelligence Unit 15, PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 15, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-BARMM, City Intelligence Unit (CIU) and City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Cotabato City Police Office, Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT), and the Regional Intelligence Action Team (RIAT) under the Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office-BARMM.
Authorities described the operation as a significant accomplishment in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in the region.
The suspects are currently detained at the PDEA-BARMM detention facility while awaiting inquest proceedings. They are expected to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as Republic Act No. 10591, which penalizes the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
PDEA officials reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug networks operating in the Bangsamoro region and urged the public to continue supporting anti-drug initiatives by reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
The arrest of the two RTL personalities underscores the continuing collaboration among law enforcement and intelligence agencies in targeting individuals involved in the illegal drug trade, which authorities say remains one of the major threats to peace, security, and public safety in the region.