WAO, Lanao del Sur — Three men, including an alleged maintainer of a drug den, were arrested after authorities dismantled an alleged drug den during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Panang, Wao, Lanao del Sur, on September 22, 2026.
The operation was carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Lanao del Sur Provincial Office (PDEA-Lanao del Sur) in coordination with the Wao Municipal Police Station and personnel of the Philippine Army’s 55th Delta Company Infantry Battalion.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects by their aliases as “Luba/Tarat,” 21, allegedly the maintainer of the drug den; “Jamel,” 41; and “Naino,” 21. All three are residents of Barangay Panang, Wao.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel seized 33 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The seized substance had an estimated total weight of 15 grams and a reported standard drug value of ₱102,000.
Authorities also recovered two mobile phones and the buy-bust money used during the operation.
The operation highlights the continuing law-enforcement effort against suspected drug distribution and the use of private premises as drug dens in communities across Lanao del Sur.
PDEA said the three suspects are now under the custody of the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility while awaiting inquest proceedings.
They are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The charges cover various prohibited acts under the law, including alleged sale or trafficking of dangerous drugs, maintenance of a drug den, employees and visitors of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug-related paraphernalia, depending on the evidence established during the investigation and subsequent proceedings.
The suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
The operation was conducted amid continuing efforts by PDEA, the police and the military to disrupt the supply and distribution of illegal drugs and prevent drug-related activities from taking root within local communities.