A 36-year-old farmer was arrested after authorities seized more than ₱100,000 worth of suspected shabu during a search warrant operation in Barangay Pimbalayan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on March 19, 2026.
The operation was carried out as part of the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations of Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12), involving joint elements from the Lambayong Municipal Police Station (MPS), the South Cotabato Police Drug Enforcement Unit (SKPDEU), and the 23rd Mechanized Company of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Armed with a court-issued search warrant for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the team proceeded to the suspect’s residence in the village early in the day.
Authorities identified the suspect only as alias “Shawn,” a married farmer and resident of the said barangay. He was present during the service of the warrant.
During the search, operatives recovered three sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with a total weight of approximately 15 grams. The seized illegal drugs carry an estimated street value of ₱102,000.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody, along with the confiscated evidence, and is now detained at the Lambayong MPS. Police said charges for violation of the country’s anti-illegal drugs law are being prepared for inquest proceedings.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations across the region, emphasizing continued coordination between police and military units to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs, even in rural communities.