LANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — Intensified anti-illegal drug operations conducted by law enforcement authorities in Lanao del Norte resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug personalities and the seizure of more than ₱64,000 worth of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations carried out in the municipalities of Lala and Kapatagan.
The operations form part of the continuing campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) against the proliferation of illegal drugs in local communities.
The first operation was conducted on June 13 in Purok Bougainvillea, Tenazas, Lala, Lanao del Norte, where operatives successfully confiscated approximately 3 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱22,440.
Authorities also recovered a drug container and the marked money used during the operation. While police did not immediately disclose the identity of the suspect involved, officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle local drug networks operating in the municipality.
Another suspected drug peddler was arrested in a separate buy-bust operation in Purok 7, Barangay De Asis, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
The suspect, a 45-year-old laborer, was apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative. Seized from his possession were five sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 3.1 grams and valued at around ₱21,080.
The suspect is currently detained at the Kapatagan Municipal Police Station while authorities prepare charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, another anti-drug operation conducted in the early hours of June 18 led to the arrest of a male suspect identified only by his alias “Noy” in Purok 4, San Isidro Lower, Lala, Lanao del Norte.
The operation was led by personnel of the Lala Municipal Police Station, in coordination with PDEA and other anti-drug units. Authorities recovered two sachets of suspected shabu weighing 3.10 grams with an estimated value of ₱21,080.
Also seized were the marked money used in the buy-bust operation and several personal belongings of the suspect. He remains under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges under the country’s anti-drug law.
Combined, the three operations resulted in the confiscation of approximately 9.2 grams of suspected shabu with a total estimated value of ₱64,600.
Police officials reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-illegal drug operations across the province and urged residents to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
Authorities emphasized that public cooperation remains a crucial factor in the government’s campaign to curb the illegal drug trade and maintain peace and order in Lanao del Norte.