ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — A 38-year-old fish vendor was arrested by police after authorities seized approximately ₱200,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Tipanoy, Iligan City, on Tuesday, June 16.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Welmar,” a resident of Purok 3, Proper, Barangay Tipanoy, was apprehended at around 12:30 p.m. following a successful anti-drug operation carried out by law enforcement personnel.
According to police reports, undercover operatives were able to purchase suspected shabu from the suspect during the operation. The illegal substance sold to the poseur-buyer was estimated to have a street value of ₱200,000.
Aside from the drugs sold during the transaction, authorities also recovered seven additional sachets containing what is believed to be shabu from the suspect’s possession.
The confiscated items have been turned over for proper inventory, documentation, and laboratory examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said the operation forms part of intensified efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal drugs in Iligan City and neighboring communities. Authorities continue to urge residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspected drug-related activities in their areas.
The suspect is currently detained at Police Station 4 while investigators prepare charges against him for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities have yet to determine whether the suspect was acting independently or was linked to a larger drug distribution network operating in the city.
The arrest highlights the continuing campaign of law enforcement agencies against illegal drugs, which remain a major concern due to their impact on public safety and community welfare.