SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — A joint operation by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) dismantled an alleged drug den and resulted in the arrest of four individuals during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on October 3, 2026.
The operation was led by the PDEA BARMM Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office in coordination with the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station, PDEG SOU 15, the Maguindanao del Norte Police Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the PIT MDN-RIU 15.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as alias “Jake,” 46, who was identified as the alleged maintainer of the drug den; alias “Taher,” 38; alias “Ban,” 35; and alias “Keks,” 26. All four were reported to be residents of Barangay Dalumangcob.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel confiscated approximately 15.5 grams of suspected shabu contained in 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. Authorities placed the estimated value of the seized suspected illegal drugs at ₱105,400.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of two cellular phones, the buy-bust money, a black pouch, identification cards, and various items of suspected drug paraphernalia.
The dismantling of the alleged drug den forms part of continuing law enforcement efforts in Maguindanao del Norte to disrupt the distribution and use of illegal drugs at the community level.
Authorities are preparing charges against the four suspects for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The charges cover alleged illegal drug sale, maintenance of a drug den, use of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia, subject to the evidence and findings presented in court.
The suspects will remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a court of law.