MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Authorities seized approximately one kilogram of suspected shabu valued at ₱6.84 million and arrested a suspected high-value drug personality during a joint anti-drug operation in Marawi City on November 14, 2026.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) reported that the buy-bust operation was conducted at Purok 5, Barangay Marawi Poblacion, resulting in the arrest of a 42-year-old man identified only by the alias “Ali.”
The suspect, who is married and a resident of Barangay Proper, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to undercover operatives during the operation.
The operation was spearheaded by PDEA Maguindanao del Sur, with support from the PDEA Lanao del Sur Provincial Office, Marawi City Police Station, the Philippine Army’s 4th Mechanized Battalion, and the 1403rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A.
Authorities recovered approximately 1,006 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱6,840,000.
The suspected illegal drugs were reportedly concealed inside a green Chinese tea bag bearing the label “Guanyinwang (AOE),” an apparent attempt to disguise their contents.
Aside from the suspected shabu, operatives also confiscated buy-bust money, a mobile phone, a Toyota Hilux, and identification cards believed to be relevant to the investigation.
The suspect is expected to face charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensing, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs.
The seizure represents another significant drug enforcement operation in Lanao del Sur, where authorities continue to coordinate efforts against the illegal drug trade.
However, the arrest and confiscation remain subject to the legal process, including the examination of the seized substances and the filing and prosecution of appropriate charges.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding the alleged source of the drugs, their intended destination, or whether the arrested suspect is connected to a wider drug distribution network.