BANGA, South Cotabato — Two men were arrested after authorities allegedly recovered more than 20 grams of suspected shabu, a firearm, ammunition and other items during an anti-carnapping operation along the National Highway in Barangay Rizal, Banga, South Cotabato, on Tuesday afternoon, August 11, 2026.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the South Cotabato Highway Patrol Team of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) at around 3:50 p.m. in Sitio Silang, Barangay Rizal.
The suspects were identified by the Banga Municipal Police Station as alias “Pryce,” 36, a driver, and his passenger, alias “Al,” 49.
According to the police, the two men were intercepted while traveling aboard a vehicle along the highway as part of an anti-carnapping operation. The operation subsequently led to the discovery of suspected illegal drugs and a firearm inside the vehicle.
Authorities said they recovered one package containing approximately 20.59 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱123,540.
A digital weighing scale was also allegedly found inside the vehicle, along with two cellular phones.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, police recovered a firearm, two magazines and 20 live rounds of ammunition from the suspects.
The discovery of the suspected shabu and firearm resulted in the immediate arrest of the two men, who were brought to the Banga Municipal Police Station for documentation, investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.
Police said the suspects are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in connection with the possession of suspected shabu.
They are also expected to face charges under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, for alleged illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The suspects remain in police custody at the locked-up cell of the Banga Municipal Police Station pending the filing of the appropriate complaints and further disposition by authorities.
The operation underscores the role of highway patrol units in intercepting vehicles and individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities, with the anti-carnapping operation ultimately resulting in the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and a firearm.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific type and caliber of firearm recovered, as well as other details surrounding the vehicle and the circumstances that prompted the interception.
The alleged illegal drugs and other evidence will undergo the appropriate examination and documentation as part of the investigation and court proceedings.