UPI, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities seized an estimated ₱340,000 worth of suspected shabu during a pre-dawn buy-bust operation in Barangay Kiblig, Upi, but the prime suspect managed to flee, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) BARMM confirmed.
The operation, conducted at around 3:30 a.m. on December 13 at Purok Gumamela, targeted a suspect known by the alias “Muslimin.” According to PDEA BARMM Special Enforcement Team Chief Agent Ar-Ar, the suspect immediately ran upon sensing the presence of law enforcers during the transaction, evading arrest despite efforts by PDEA agents and police operatives.
Authorities recovered approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, with a standard estimated value of ₱340,000, along with non-drug evidence including marked buy-bust money. PDEA said the suspect had previously gone into hiding and was nearly recommended for “inactive” status on the agency’s watchlist before intelligence monitoring indicated he had resumed involvement in illegal drug activities.
PDEA BARMM emphasized that charges will be filed against the suspect to secure a court-issued warrant of arrest, underscoring the agency’s resolve to pursue the case until accountability is achieved.
In a related development, Upi Vice Mayor Abdila Alabat expressed gratitude to PDEA BARMM and the police for their swift action against illegal drugs in the municipality. Speaking shortly after the operation, Alabat said the local government will coordinate with the suspect’s family to encourage cooperation and ensure the suspect faces the law if found liable.
The vice mayor also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and work closely with authorities, stressing that community cooperation is vital to curbing the persistent threat of illegal drugs in the area.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to report any information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspect.