ILIGAN CITY — A high-value individual (HVI) was arrested in a pre-dawn anti-drug operation on February 17, 2026, following a coordinated buy-bust that led to the seizure of illegal drugs worth nearly ₱700,000 in Barangay Palao, authorities reported.
The operation was carried out at around 5:37 a.m. in Purok 13 by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Iligan City Police Office, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 10 and intelligence operatives of ICPS5.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Mata,” 43, single, and a resident of Barangay Palao in Iligan City. He was arrested after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative.
₱680,000 Worth of Drugs Recovered
Seized during the operation were eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated total weight of about 100 grams and a standard drug price of ₱680,000.
Also recovered from the suspect were:
- A black pouch
- A black belt bag
- One cellular phone
- A digital weighing scale
- Three pieces of ₱100 marked money used in the buy-bust
Authorities said the volume of drugs confiscated indicates that the suspect was actively involved in large-scale distribution within the city.
Alleged Drug Source Linked to Marawi
According to police, this was the first time the suspect had been arrested for drug-related offenses. However, initial investigation revealed that he allegedly sourced his illegal drugs from Marawi City and distributed them to various contacts in Iligan City.
Investigators are now working to identify his suppliers and possible accomplices as part of a wider crackdown on regional drug networks.
Facing Drug Charges
The arrested suspect is currently detained at Police Station 5 under the Iligan City Police Office for proper documentation and legal processing.
Authorities said cases for violation of Sections 5 (Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against him.
If convicted, the suspect may face life imprisonment and hefty fines under existing drug laws.
Police Laud Operating Units
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10, commended the operating teams for the successful operation.
“We remain relentless in our campaign against illegal drugs. We will continue to pursue high-value individuals who endanger our communities. We urge the public to keep supporting our efforts through timely and accurate information,” Abrahano said.
Sustained Anti-Drug Campaign
The latest arrest underscores the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign in Northern Mindanao, particularly in urban centers considered vulnerable to drug trafficking and distribution.
Police officials emphasized that community cooperation remains crucial in dismantling drug syndicates, encouraging residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.
They also assured the public that similar operations will continue as part of the government’s sustained drive to protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.