Cotabato City — In a coordinated anti-drug operation, four individuals were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted in Purok 2, Barangay Manila Group, Wao, Lanao del Sur, on August 1, 2025.
The successful operation was carried out through the joint efforts of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Lanao del Sur Provincial Office, the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), the PDEA Land Transportation and Interdiction Unit (LTIU), and the Wao Municipal Police Station (MPS).
Authorities seized a total of 19 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 14 grams. Also recovered at the scene were marked buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, two mobile phones, an identification card, and one .22 caliber revolver loaded with live ammunition.
The arrested suspects were identified only by their aliases:
- Alias Boyet, 54, alleged drug den maintainer
- Alias Obet, 51
- Alias Jepoy, 30
- Alias Roger, 44
All four are set to face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition Act.
In a statement, PDEA BARMM Director Castro emphasized the agency’s firm stance against illegal drugs: “The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency BARMM remains steadfast in its mandate to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and bring drug offenders to justice.”
The suspects are currently under the custody of the authorities pending the filing of formal complaints.