WAO, Lanao del Sur – A 27-year-old alleged street-level drug personality was arrested during a coordinated anti-illegal drugs operation conducted by joint law enforcement units in Wao, Lanao del Sur, on Saturday, July 25, resulting in the confiscation of suspected shabu valued at ₱81,600.
The operation was carried out at around 5:10 p.m. in Purok 5, Barangay Eastern, Wao, by operatives of the Special Operations Unit–Bangsamoro (SOU-BAR) of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG) under the leadership of PBGEN Elmer E. Ragay, Director of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group.
The buy-bust operation was conducted in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PDEA-BAR), the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), the 3rd Platoon of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the Wao Municipal Police Station.
Authorities identified the suspect only by the alias “Mkie,” a 27-year-old male who was classified as a Street-Level Individual (SLI) involved in the illegal drug trade.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized approximately 12 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱81,600, along with several non-drug items believed to be connected to the illegal transaction.
Following his arrest, the suspect was taken to the Wao Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and processing. Meanwhile, the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit–BAR for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination to support the filing of appropriate criminal charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165).
The successful operation highlights the sustained collaboration among the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, PDEA, and local police units in intensifying anti-drug operations across the Bangsamoro region, particularly against individuals involved in street-level distribution of illegal drugs.
PBGEN Ragay commended the operating teams and partner agencies for the successful operation, emphasizing that their dedication strengthens the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the operating team and our partner agencies. Ang inyong dedikasyon ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa ating mga mamamayan na patuloy nating pinangangalagaan ang kanilang kaligtasan at kinabukasan,” PBGEN Ragay said.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to support anti-illegal drug efforts by reporting suspected drug activities, reaffirming that strong community cooperation remains vital in curbing the proliferation of dangerous drugs and maintaining peace and public safety in the Bangsamoro region.