LAMITAN CITY, BASILAN — A joint anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the arrest of a regional-level drug suspect and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth ₱34,000 during a buy-bust operation on May 1, 2026, in Barangay Sta. Clara.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias “Joesan,” legally known as Joesan Delos Reyes Sanchez, 39, married, and a resident of Malita, Davao del Sur. Sanchez was listed under the Regional Target List (RTL), indicating his involvement in illegal drug activities across Basilan and nearby areas.
The operation was spearheaded by the PDEA Basilan Provincial Office in coordination with the PDEA Regional Office IX – Isabela City Office, the Lamitan City Police Station, and the 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B under the Philippine National Police (PNP). It was conducted under the supervision of the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
According to authorities, Sanchez was apprehended immediately after selling suspected shabu worth ₱34,000 to an undercover operative. The transaction took place in Barangay Sta. Clara, a location authorities say has been under monitoring due to reported drug activities.
Seized from the suspect were 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu.” The confiscated drugs weighed approximately five grams with an estimated street value of ₱34,000.
Non-drug evidence recovered from Sanchez included a brown leatherette zipper-locked card holder and a marked ₱500 bill used as buy-bust money.
Authorities said Sanchez had been operating his illegal drug trade across multiple towns in Basilan, making him a priority target for law enforcement agencies in the region.
He is currently under the custody of PDEA-BARMM and is set to face charges for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale, trading, administration, and distribution of illegal drugs.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations across Basilan and the wider Bangsamoro region, emphasizing that collaborative efforts among agencies remain crucial in dismantling drug networks and curbing the spread of illegal substances.