Wao, Lanao del Sur – June 7, 2025 — A high-value individual (HVI) involved in illegal drug activities was arrested in a successful joint buy-bust operation conducted by multiple law enforcement units in Purok 2, Barangay Eastern, Wao, Lanao del Sur, in the early hours of Saturday.
The coordinated effort was spearheaded by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit 15 (PNP DEG SOU-15), in collaboration with the Wao Municipal Police Station, 3rd Platoon of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – BARMM (PDEA-BARMM), and with support from the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU).
The buy-bust took place at around 12:08 AM and led to the arrest of a drug personality known only by the alias “Pipoy,” a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Panang, Wao. Authorities have identified him as a High-Value Individual in the illegal drug trade.
Confiscated during the operation were:
- One medium-sized heat-sealed sachet containing approximately 10 grams of suspected shabu, with a Standard Drug Price of ₱68,000;
- One genuine ₱1,000 bill (Serial No. KD225329) placed on top of a bundle of 14 photocopied ₱1,000 bills used as buy-bust money;
- One blue Honda XRM motorcycle bearing plate number M924AM.
The seized items were inventoried on-site in the presence of a barangay official and media representatives to ensure transparency and adherence to proper legal procedures. The suspected illegal drugs have been submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit – BARMM for laboratory analysis.
The arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Wao Municipal Police Station for documentation and temporary detention.
PCOL Robert S. Daculan, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), lauded the dedication and coordination among all participating units, emphasizing the operation’s significance in the continuing campaign against illegal drugs in the region.