Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – Over ₱13.6 million worth of shabu was seized and a high-value target was arrested in a successful anti-illegal drug operation conducted on June 22, 2025, in Barangay Bangolo Poblacion, Marawi City.
The joint buy-bust operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – BARMM Regional Special Enforcement Team, with support from the PDEA Sulu Provincial Office, PDEA Lanao del Sur, 45th Special Action Company of the 4th Special Action Battalion, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company – Lanao del Sur PPO, the 51st Infantry Battalion, and the Marawi City Police Station.
The suspect, identified as alias “Orak,” a 21-year-old male resident of Barangay Cairatan, Molundo, Lanao del Sur, was apprehended during the operation. He is believed to be a major player in the local illegal drug trade. Confiscated from him were two packs of suspected shabu weighing approximately two kilograms, estimated to be worth ₱13,600,000 based on the national drug price.
Authorities also recovered several non-drug items, including buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, assorted identification cards, one mobile phone, and a Yamaha X-Max motorcycle believed to have been used in the suspect’s illegal activities.
The arrested suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a dialect he fully understood and is now under the custody of the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility, where he awaits inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA Regional Director Gil Cesario P. Castro lauded the success of the joint operation, emphasizing, “This operation exemplifies the strength of inter-agency collaboration and our unwavering commitment to rid the Bangsamoro region of illegal drugs.”
PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, also commended the dedication of all law enforcement units involved. “This accomplishment reflects our shared commitment to eradicate illegal drugs and protect our communities. Together, we will continue to pursue a drug-free Lanao del Sur.”
PDEA continues to urge the public to support its ongoing campaign against illegal drugs by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.