BANGA, South Cotabato — Authorities arrested a suspected drug pusher and confiscated an estimated ₱68,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Purok Masagana, Barangay Liwanay, this town.
The joint anti-drug operation was carried out by personnel from the Banga Municipal Police Station, the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and the Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG). The suspect, identified by the alias “Jest,” a 38-year-old resident of Purok Mabini, Barangay Dajay in Surallah, South Cotabato, was tagged as a Street Level Individual (SLI) in the illegal drug trade.
Recovered during the operation were two sachets containing suspected shabu, weighing a total of 10 grams and valued at ₱68,000 based on the National Standard Drug Price. Authorities also seized a glass tooter and ₱1,000 in marked money used during the buy-bust.
The suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Banga Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal proceedings.
In a statement, Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, reiterated the police force’s commitment to fighting illegal drugs in the region.
“We are determined to cleanse our communities of illegal drugs. PRO 12, together with our partner agencies, will continue to intensify operations and ensure that individuals who engage in illegal drug activities are brought to justice,” Ardiente said.
Authorities said the operation is part of the continuing campaign of PRO 12 against the proliferation of illegal drugs in South Cotabato and neighboring areas.