BACOLOD, Lanao del Norte — A joint anti-illegal drugs operation by law enforcement units led to the seizure of ₱217,600 worth of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Pagayawan on the morning of April 24, 2026, authorities reported.
The operation was carried out at around 9:16 a.m. by a composite team composed of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, personnel of the Bacolod Municipal Police Station, and the 1005th Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-10), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Operatives were serving Search Warrant No. SW-26-0268 at a residence in Purok 2, Barangay Pagayawan, targeting a suspect identified only as alias “Abdul,” a male resident of the area. The warrant was issued by Executive Judge Ali Ombra R. Bacaraman of the Regional Trial Court Branch 04 in Iligan City on April 15, 2026.
However, upon arrival, the suspect was no longer at the premises and is believed to have fled after sensing the presence of authorities.
Despite the suspect’s escape, a thorough search of the house yielded one large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The confiscated illegal drugs weighed approximately 32 grams and carried an estimated standard drug price value of ₱217,600.
Authorities ensured that proper procedures were followed during the operation. The seized evidence was marked and inventoried on-site in the presence of a house caretaker, an elected barangay official, and a media representative, in compliance with legal requirements under anti-drug operations.
The confiscated substance has been turned over to the Lanao del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative examination.
Police said charges for 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, are being prepared against the suspect.
Authorities have launched a manhunt operation to locate and apprehend alias “Abdul,” as they continue to intensify efforts against illegal drug activities in the province.