TAMPARAN, Lanao del Sur — Two individuals were arrested after attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leading to the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs worth more than ₱118,000 during a joint operation on April 8, 2026.
Authorities identified the operation as a coordinated effort between the Tamparan Municipal Police Station and the 2nd Platoon of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company. The checkpoint was established along the national highway in Barangay Talub as part of intensified security and anti-criminality measures in the area.
According to police reports, the suspects were on board a minivan when they approached the checkpoint. During routine inspection, personnel observed two bottles of Red Horse beer in plain view inside the vehicle and noted that the occupants appeared to have been drinking, emitting a strong smell of alcohol.
Instead of complying with authorities, the driver allegedly refused to stop and accelerated, hitting a police checkpoint signage in an apparent attempt to flee. This prompted law enforcement officers to immediately pursue and apprehend the suspects.
A subsequent body search led to the discovery of multiple drug-related items in the suspects’ possession. Seized during the operation were a RELX container box containing a heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu weighing approximately 5.07 grams; an improvised tooter with residue; a disposable lighter; a facemask concealing two sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 9.95 grams; and a Rockbros black container holding another sachet weighing approximately 2.46 grams.
In total, authorities recovered about 17.48 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱118,864.
Police said the suspects were immediately informed of their constitutional rights following their arrest. They are currently under the custody of the Tamparan Municipal Police Station for documentation, booking, and proper disposition.
Authorities are preparing charges against the suspects for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additional charges for direct assault and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property are also being readied.
The incident underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb illegal drug activities and enforce public safety measures through sustained checkpoint operations across Lanao del Sur.