Camp Gallego, Tubod, Lanao del Norte – Police authorities in Lanao del Norte arrested two drug suspects in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted in the municipalities of Kauswagan and Baroy on September 19 and 20, 2025.
In Kauswagan, personnel of the Kauswagan Municipal Police Station (KMPS), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), implemented a search warrant operation at around 12:51 a.m. on September 20 in Purok 8, Barangay Bagumbayan. The operation, conducted by virtue of Search Warrant No. SW-25-0181 issued by RTC Branch 4 Executive Judge Ali Ombra R. Bacaraman, resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old resident.
Confiscated from the suspect’s possession were five heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu weighing 0.20 grams with a street value of Php 1,360.00, drug paraphernalia including glass tooters, aluminum foils, improvised needles, disposable lighters, and other items. The operation was carried out in the presence of barangay officials and a media representative, ensuring compliance with legal procedures. The suspect is now under the custody of KMPS and faces charges for violation of Sections 11 and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165. The seized evidence has been turned over to the Iligan City Forensic Unit for examination.
Meanwhile, in Baroy, a composite police team composed of the Baroy Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 1005th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 conducted a buy-bust operation at around 3:19 p.m. on September 19 in Purok 5, Barangay Poblacion.
The suspect, identified as alias “Ken-Ken,” 34, single, and jobless, was arrested after selling one sachet of suspected shabu weighing 0.08 grams with an estimated value of Php 544.00 to a poseur buyer. A subsequent body search yielded four additional sachets of suspected shabu with a combined weight of 1.2 grams and a total value of Php 8,160.00, cash amounting to Php 170.00, the Php 500.00 buy-bust money, and drug paraphernalia. The suspect is under the custody of Baroy MPS and faces charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165. The confiscated substances were turned over to the Provincial Forensic Unit in Tubod for laboratory testing.
PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, Acting Provincial Director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, lauded the operating units for their dedication.
“These operations underscore the relentless commitment of the Lanao del Norte PPO in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs in the community. We will continue to intensify our efforts to eradicate illegal drug activities and bring offenders to justice. We also urge our citizens to remain vigilant and support the campaign against illegal drugs,” Sua said.
Both suspects remain in custody as cases are being prepared for inquest proceedings.