POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO — A 46-year-old man identified by authorities as a street-level individual was arrested after law enforcement operatives seized approximately 20 grams of suspected shabu during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok, South Cotabato, on September 24, 2026.
The operation was conducted at about 1:16 p.m. by personnel of the Special Operations Unit 12 of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PNP DEG) under the command of PCOL Roel L. Lami-ing, OIC of the PNP DEG, in coordination with the Polomolok Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Unit 12 of Police Regional Office 12, Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group 12, Highway Patrol Group 12, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12.
Authorities said the operation was carried out pursuant to Search Warrant No. SW31A-26 issued for the conduct of the search in Barangay Silway 8.
The suspect, whose identity was withheld in the police report and was identified only by the aliases “Loloy” or “Pugak,” was described as a 46-year-old male and classified by authorities as a street-level individual (SLI).
Suspected Shabu Valued at P136,000 Seized
The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, which authorities placed at an estimated standard drug price of P136,000.
Other non-drug items were also reportedly recovered during the operation.
The seized substance was subsequently turned over to the Provincial Forensic Unit in South Cotabato for laboratory examination. The forensic examination is expected to determine the actual identity and composition of the substance and provide evidence for the appropriate legal proceedings.
The arrested suspect, meanwhile, was brought to the Polomolok Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Authorities did not provide further details regarding the suspect’s alleged role in the illegal drug trade or whether additional individuals are being investigated in connection with the operation.
Joint Law Enforcement Operation
The operation highlighted the continuing coordination among various law enforcement units in Region 12 in targeting suspected illegal drug activities.
The PNP DEG’s Special Operations Unit 12 led the operation, while police intelligence, integrity monitoring, highway patrol, local police, and anti-drug personnel provided support.
According to PCOL Lami-ing, the operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs and efforts to address drug-related activities at the community level.
“Another successful operation marks another step toward safer, drug-free communities. The PNP Drug Enforcement Group remains committed to enforcing the law with integrity, dedication, and professionalism in the continuing fight against illegal drugs,” Lami-ing said.
The arrest and seizure, however, remain subject to the results of the laboratory examination and the subsequent judicial process. The suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Authorities are expected to pursue the appropriate charges based on the evidence recovered during the implementation of the search warrant.