KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A 42-year-old drug suspect was arrested and more than ₱200,000 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated in a coordinated anti-criminality operation conducted by police and anti-drug agents in Barangay Morales on March 19, 2026.
Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias “Toto,” a resident of Purok Masagana B in the same barangay. He was apprehended during the تنفيذ of a search warrant for alleged violations of Sections 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) and 12 (possession of drug paraphernalia) under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation was spearheaded by the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) as part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs. It was jointly carried out by operatives from the South Cotabato Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (SCPPDEU), Koronadal City Police Station’s City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (KCPS-CPDEU), South Cotabato Police Intelligence Unit (SCPIU), 1st South Cotabato Police Mobile Force Company (1st SCPMFC), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 12 (PDEA-12).
Seized from the suspect were four sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 30 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱204,000. Authorities also recovered an improvised tooter believed to contain traces of methamphetamine and a black sling bag used to store the illegal items.
Police said the confiscated substances will be submitted to the South Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative examination to confirm their composition and weight.
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought into police custody and will undergo medical and physical examination prior to detention. Criminal charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 are currently being prepared for filing before the City Prosecutor’s Office.
PRO-12 reiterated its commitment to sustain aggressive anti-drug operations across the region, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial in dismantling local drug networks and ensuring safer communities.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities linked to illegal drugs.