MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Authorities arrested two suspected drug couriers and confiscated more than ₱200,000 worth of suspected shabu during a police checkpoint operation on March 4, 2026, in Barangay Patani.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police assigned at the Marawi City Police Station apprehended the suspects after they attempted to evade a routine checkpoint while traveling toward the city.
According to police reports, the suspects—identified only by their aliases “Abdel,” the driver, and “Sai”—were on board a Toyota Wigo bearing plate number NAU 8893. They were reportedly coming from the municipality of Molondo, Lanao del Sur and heading toward Marawi City when authorities flagged down their vehicle at the checkpoint in Barangay Patani.
Instead of stopping for inspection, the driver allegedly accelerated in an apparent attempt to flee, accidentally hitting the checkpoint signage. The incident immediately alerted police personnel manning the checkpoint, prompting them to stop the vehicle and arrest the occupants.
A subsequent lawful body search and vehicle inspection led to the discovery of 29.82 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱202,776.
Seized from the suspects were the following items:
- One heat-sealed sachet containing 24.9 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱169,320
- One heat-sealed sachet containing 4.92 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱33,456
- Four opened empty sachets with traces of suspected shabu
- One improvised crystal tube believed to be used for drug consumption
- One **Samsung smartphone>
- One open pack of transparent plastic cellophane used for packaging illegal drugs
Authorities said the confiscated items were under the possession and control of the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Both individuals were immediately brought to the Marawi City Police Station for documentation, booking procedures, and proper disposition of the seized evidence.
Police are now preparing charges against the suspects for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the possession, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs in the Philippines.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their call for continued vigilance and cooperation from communities, emphasizing that checkpoint operations remain a critical measure in preventing the movement of illegal drugs and maintaining peace and order in Marawi City and nearby municipalities in Lanao del Sur.