JOLO, Sulu — Authorities confiscated approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu and three kilograms of suspected cocaine with a combined estimated street value of ₱17.25 million during a successful anti-illegal drugs operation conducted by the Jolo Municipal Police Station in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, in the early hours of Tuesday, July 1.
According to an initial spot report from the Jolo Municipal Police Station (MPS), the buy-bust operation was carried out at around 1:50 a.m. in Sitio Zone 3, Barangay Tulay, resulting in the arrest of a 28-year-old male resident of the area.
Police operatives recovered from the suspect’s possession four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 200 grams of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱1.35 million.
Also seized was one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing approximately three kilograms of white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine, valued at around ₱15.9 million.
The operation also yielded ₱13,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds from illegal drug transactions, along with ₱70,000 in boodle money used as marked buy-bust money during the operation. Police also recovered additional non-drug evidence that will form part of the case against the suspect.
The total estimated value of the confiscated suspected illegal drugs reached ₱17.25 million, making it one of the significant anti-drug operations conducted in Jolo this year.
The buy-bust operation was spearheaded by personnel of the Jolo Municipal Police Station under the supervision of PLT Benhar A. Asaddi, Deputy Chief of Police, with support from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Sulu Police Provincial Office (SPPO), and other Philippine National Police units.
The arrested suspect was immediately taken into police custody and is currently being held at the detention facility of the Jolo MPS pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges for Violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the illegal sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
The confiscated suspected shabu and cocaine will be submitted to the appropriate forensic laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examinations to confirm their composition and weight before being presented as evidence in court.
Police officials reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations across Sulu, emphasizing that sustained intelligence-driven operations and close coordination among law enforcement units remain crucial in dismantling drug networks operating in the province.