BANGA, South Cotabato — Four individuals, including a woman, were arrested after authorities seized approximately ₱1.03 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rizal Poblacion, Banga, South Cotabato, on Saturday afternoon, October 17.
The operation was conducted shortly after 5 p.m. by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-12 Regional Special Enforcement Team, in coordination with PDEA-12 South Cotabato personnel and the Philippine Army.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects by their aliases as “Kim,” 26, and “Van,” 33, both residents of Barangay Rizal Poblacion; “Ar-Ar,” 21, a resident of Barangay San Vicente; and “Mar,” 26, a resident of Barangay Malaya. All three barangays are located in Banga, South Cotabato.
According to PDEA-12, operatives recovered approximately 151.8 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug value of ₱1,032,240.
The seized items also included ₱1,000 in marked money allegedly used during the transaction, 69 pieces of boodle money, a mobile phone, a sling bag, a weighing scale, and a tricycle.
A barangay official and members of the media witnessed the operation, in accordance with the required procedures for documenting the seizure and arrest.
The four suspects are currently under the custody of PDEA-12 at its custodial facility while authorities prepare the necessary criminal complaints.
They are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Section 5 covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 penalizes the illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
The case will proceed through the appropriate legal process, where the allegations against the suspects will be evaluated by the courts.