ILIGAN CITY — A joint buy-bust operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 10 (PDEA-10) resulted in the dismantling of an alleged drug den and the arrest of four suspected drug personalities, including an individual identified by authorities as Iligan City’s top drug personality, in Barangay Tibanga on August 29, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 1:55 p.m. at Purok 3, Gawad Kalinga, Barangay Tibanga, Iligan City, by personnel of the PDEA-10 Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, in coordination with the PDEA-10 Special Investigation Unit Team Alpha, PDEA-10 Regional Special Enforcement Team Alpha, PNP Regional Intelligence Unit–Iligan City, and the PNP City Mobile Force Company.
According to PDEA-10, the operation led to the recovery of eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with an approximate combined weight of 106 grams and an estimated standard market value of ₱720,000.
Authorities also confiscated a coin purse, an electronic sealer, assorted drug paraphernalia, and the buy-bust money used during the operation.
PDEA-10 Regional Director Alex M. Tablate identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases as “Lan,” 49; “Jun,” 34; “Rayray,” 35; and “Atan,” 36. All four were identified as residents of Barangay Tibanga, Iligan City.
PDEA-10 described “Lan” as a 49-year-old male with a common-law wife and identified him as Iligan City’s Number One drug personality. The other suspects were identified as “Jun,” a 34-year-old male with a common-law wife; “Rayray,” a 35-year-old single male; and “Atan,” a 36-year-old single male.
The operation is particularly significant because authorities said it resulted not only in the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected shabu but also in the dismantling of an alleged drug den, potentially disrupting the activities of individuals suspected of being involved in the illegal drug trade in the area.
The four suspects are set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The provisions cover offenses including the illegal sale and distribution of dangerous drugs, maintenance of a drug den, use of dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia, depending on the specific evidence and circumstances alleged in the case.
The confiscated suspected shabu and other pieces of evidence will form part of the investigation and eventual legal proceedings against the arrested individuals.
Director Tablate underscored PDEA-10’s continued reliance on inter-agency cooperation in pursuing suspected drug networks, saying the regional office remains committed to sustaining anti-drug operations designed to dismantle illegal drug activities and protect communities from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs.
The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by a court of law.