MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — Authorities arrested a high-value target (HVT) and confiscated an estimated Php 6.8 million worth of suspected shabu in a coordinated anti-drug operation in Barangay Banga on April 22, 2026, intensifying the government’s crackdown on illegal narcotics in the region.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Abdul,” was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative during a buy-bust operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Lanao del Sur Provincial Office.
The operation drew strength from a multi-unit collaboration involving the Philippine National Police Marawi City Police Station Alert Team Alpha, the Philippine Army 103rd “Haribon” Brigade, several mechanized companies, and elite units of the PNP Special Action Force.
Authorities recovered approximately 1,000 grams of suspected shabu, cleverly concealed inside Chinese tea bag packaging—a method commonly used by drug syndicates to evade detection. Also seized were a Realme Android cellphone, a black sling bag, a driver’s license bearing the name Abdul Hakim Lamping Natangcop, and the marked buy-bust money.
The suspect and the confiscated evidence were brought to the PDEA Lanao del Sur Provincial Office for proper documentation and disposition. Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 are currently being prepared against the suspect.
Police Colonel Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, commended the joint operating units for their swift and coordinated action.
“This successful operation underscores the strong teamwork and unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies in safeguarding our communities. We will continue to intensify our efforts to dismantle illegal drug networks,” Cabuhat said.
The latest operation highlights the continued vigilance of authorities in Marawi City, a key urban center in Mindanao, as they sustain momentum against high-value drug personalities and disrupt the flow of illegal substances in the region.