MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Two individuals were arrested after police recovered 23.39 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱159,052 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mipaga, Marawi City, on September 23, 2026.
The operation was conducted at approximately 3:00 p.m. by personnel of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), led by PSMS Jamil M. Radiaganding, team leader, under the supervision of PLTCOL Muhiddin G. Pagayawan, Chief of Police. The CDEU served as the lead unit, with assistance from Alert Team Bravo.
Police identified the two arrested suspects as residents of Barangay Palao, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, and Barangay Mipaga, Marawi City, respectively.
23.39 Grams of Suspected Shabu Recovered
Authorities said the primary item seized during the operation was one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.
The sachet had an approximate weight of 23.39 grams, with a reported Standard Drug Price of ₱159,052. Police identified the sachet as the alleged buy-bust item.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of the following:
- One genuine ₱1,000 bill placed on top of 44 pieces of photocopied ₱1,000 bills, which police said were used as buy-bust money;
- One laminated National Identification Card belonging to Suspect A; and
- One laminated BIR Identification Card belonging to Suspect B.
The recovery of the suspected illegal drug and other evidence will form part of the documentation to support the appropriate charges against the arrested individuals.
Rights Read, Evidence Inventoried
Police said the suspects were informed of the reason for their arrest and were apprised of their constitutional rights in a language or dialect they clearly understood.
An actual physical inventory of the confiscated evidence was also conducted following the operation. The inventory was witnessed by the arrested suspects, concerned barangay officials, and a representative of the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Authorities said the procedure was carried out in accordance with prescribed rules governing the handling and documentation of seized evidence, particularly to promote transparency and accountability.
Following the operation, the two suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the Marawi City Police Station for documentation and the preparation of the appropriate charges.
The suspected substance remains subject to the required forensic examination and legal proceedings. The suspects’ guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined by the proper court based on the evidence presented.