KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den and arrested four individuals during a late-night anti-illegal drug operation on April 6, 2026, intensifying the government’s crackdown on narcotics in the region.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 12 – Cotabato Provincial Office spearheaded the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Poblacion, in coordination with the Kidapawan City Police Office and the Cotabato Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.
The operation led to the arrest of four suspects, including the alleged maintainer of the drug den, identified only by the alias “AJ,” a 30-year-old jobless resident of Kidapawan City. Also apprehended were “Josephine,” 51, “Norman,” 28, both unemployed residents of the city, and “Erick,” 39, a utility worker from the nearby municipality of M’lang, Cotabato.
Authorities seized a total of 13 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated combined weight of around 15 grams, valued at approximately ₱102,000. Also recovered from the site were assorted drug paraphernalia and a cellular phone believed to have been used in coordinating illegal drug activities.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the raided location was being used as a drug den, where illegal drug sessions were allegedly conducted. The operation effectively neutralized a site considered a threat to the safety and well-being of the surrounding community.
The suspects are now under police custody as authorities prepare charges for violations of Sections 11 (possession of dangerous drugs), 6 (maintenance of a drug den), 7 (visiting a drug den), and 12 (possession of drug paraphernalia) under Republic Act No. 9165.
Officials emphasized that the successful operation reflects sustained coordination among law enforcement agencies and reiterated their commitment to intensify efforts against illegal drugs across Cotabato province.